This pivotal position within the MDG COE Team leads the Master Data Management/Governance initiative, focusing on Finance (FICO) and Business partner master data. As the global custodian of this critical information, the role holder will drive data integrity and consistency across the organization. They will collaborate closely with regional data experts, IT departments, Account-to-Report (A2R) teams, and the Digital Transformation group to assess and manage changes to master data. This role requires a strategic mindset to anticipate the impact of data modifications on various business processes and systems. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in ensuring data quality, compliance, and operational efficiency, ultimately supporting informed decision-making and business growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Management
1. Leadership and Excellence:
- Lead and drive excellence by overseeing, governing, and spearheading the MDG Operations Team
- Cultivate a high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement
2. Team Management and Communication:
- Conduct regular catchups with team members to align expectations and provide guidance
- Facilitate consistent team connections to ensure cohesion and shared understanding of goals
- Implement effective communication strategies to keep the team informed and engaged
3. Operational Planning and Governance:
- Develop and manage comprehensive leave planning to ensure continuous team coverage
- Identify and nurture key skills within the team, promoting professional development
- Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks to guide team operations and decision-making
- Ensure seamless backup processes are in place to mitigate operational risks
Operations
.1. Operational Excellence and Business Alignment:
- Ensure the Operational team effectively supports business processes and requirements
- Drive continuous improvement in team performance and process efficiency
2. Master Data Management and Governance:
- Own, manage, and govern critical Master Data Processes, including:
• GL Accounts
• Cost Centres
• Reporting Units
• Destination/Location
• Profit Centres
• Bank Master Data
• Business Partners (customers and vendors)
- Implement and maintain robust governance frameworks for data quality and consistency
3. Central Finance Application Interface Management:
- Demonstrate essential understanding of the Central Finance Application Interface Framework
- Analyse error messages and determine appropriate actions for resolution
- Provide timely and effective error resolutions
- Ensure closure of errors within agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
4. Cross-functional Support:
- Assist in critical month-end close activities across different time zones (UK/US) as required
- Collaborate with global teams to ensure seamless financial operations
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Governance
1. Data Integrity Management:
- Ensure data consistency and accuracy across multiple systems (ECC, MDG, and Reporting servers)
- Implement and maintain data validation processes to prevent discrepancies
2. Escalation Management and Resolution:
- Oversee the management, tracking, and resolution of escalated issues
- Collaborate effectively with IT and business functions to address complex problems
- Ensure timely resolution of escalations to minimize business impact
3. Continuous Improvement:
- Conduct thorough root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring issues
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address systemic problems
- Proactively identify and resolve recurring errors to enhance overall system reliability
4. Documentation and Process Management:
- Regularly update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reflect current best practices
- Maintain and improve related documentation to ensure knowledge retention and transfer
- Foster a culture of documentation and continuous process improvement within the team
Reporting
Reporting and Communication:
- Provide comprehensive weekly and monthly operational status updates
- Prepare and deliver regional reports to key stakeholders
- Ensure clear and timely communication of operational metrics and challenges
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Projects
1. Strategic Project Support:
- Assist in strategic initiatives by conducting thorough impact assessments on Finance Master Data
- Collaborate closely with MDM and Project leads to ensure alignment with organizational goals
- Provide expert insights to guide decision-making in strategic projects
2. Migration and Acquisition Support:
- Offer comprehensive support for all migration and acquisition activities
- Ensure smooth transition of Finance Master Data during organizational changes
- Develop and implement data integration strategies for newly acquired entities
3. Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with the MDM lead to develop and maintain:
• Effective project reporting mechanisms
• Comprehensive training materials
• Engaging awareness content
- Foster strong relationships across departments to facilitate seamless project execution
Required Capabilities:
1. Technical Expertise:
- Demonstrated proficiency in MDG, ECC & CFIN workflow and operations
- MDG FICO / S4 Hana Trained / Certified.
- Proven experience in resolving CFIN AIF Errors (Good to Have)
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Working knowledge of Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) reconciliation processes
2. Cross-functional Knowledge:
- Knowledge or Experience in multiple financial domains, including:
• Account to Report (A2R)
• Procure to Pay (P2P)
- Basic accounting experience is advantageous
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities
- Effective stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
4. Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities:
- Strong analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to problem-solving
- Ability to identify root causes and develop effective solutions
- Skill in interpreting complex data and presenting actionable insights
5. Work Style and Adaptability:
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Flexible approach to work, including support across different time zones (primarily UK & US)
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
6. Continuous Learning:
- Commitment to staying current with evolving technologies and industry best practices
- Willingness to acquire new skills and knowledge as required by the role
7. Team Collaboration:
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
- Experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders across various departments
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Experience Requirements:
1. Master Data Management:
- 12-15+ years of experience in managing master data processes
- Proven track record in complex multinational environments
- Demonstrated ability to implement and optimize data governance strategies
2. Business Performance Management:
- Substantial experience in defining and overseeing impactful KPIs and metrics
- Proven ability to translate data insights into actionable business strategies
- Track record of improving operational efficiency through data-driven decision making
3. Financial Expertise:
- Thorough understanding of Finance processes, particularly Account to Report (ATR)
- Experience working within large-scale organizational finance structures
- Ability to align master data management with financial reporting requirements
4. Technical Proficiency:
- Advanced skills in Data Governance tools and technologies, including:
• SAP MDG
• ServiceNow
• Master data management platforms
• Data transformation tools
• Data lineage tracking systems
- Expertise in Error Handling tools and data mapping technologies
5. Consultative Approach:
- Strong consultancy/service-oriented mindset
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to manage stakeholders at all levels of an organization
6. Project Management:
- Experience leading cross-functional data governance initiatives
- Track record of successful project delivery in complex organizational settings
7. Industry Knowledge:
- Up-to-date understanding of best practices in master data management
- Awareness of regulatory requirements affecting data governance in multinational contexts
8. Problem-Solving and Innovation:
- Demonstrated ability to address complex data challenges creatively
- Experience in implementing innovative solutions to improve data quality and accessibility
9. Team Leadership:
- Proven ability to lead and mentor teams in data management practices
- Experience in fostering a culture of data-driven decision making within organizations
Note: Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
