Capability & Product Owner – Tax and Compliance

Represent the ITS BCS organization as business partner in the execution of technology strategies, policies and procedures impacting Tax & Compliance Reporting as well as Group Consolidations in the SAP S/4 Hana platform. Engage with key business stakeholders to review business requirements and own the functional design and specifications. Ensure development and delivery teams understand the requirements and deliver the most valuable features in the technology-based systems with the Company’s mission, strategic goals in mind. Provide technical expertise in a variety of concepts, practices and procedures impacting Tax and Compliance Reporting, while also collaborating with diverse Information Technology partners in the delivery of solutions.

The IT Capability & Product Owner will partner closely with the Tax (Direct and Indirect), Compliance teams as well as the Consolidations team. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Vertex (for Tax determination) as well as SAP Document and Reporting Compliance (DRC) and e-Invoicing solutions for statutory and regulatory compliance requirements is key. The role involves supporting SAP DRC, managing integrations with SAP FI, SD and MM modules, supporting deployment activities and ensuring compliance with country-specific legal and tax mandates. Candidates should possess strong expertise in SAP S/4HANA Finance, SAP DRC eDocument Framework, XML/JSON message handling and regulatory reporting solutions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead business analysis for new requirements / business process optimization. This may include ideas and concepts which are still in the evaluation and/or approval process.
• Convey highly complex ideas, issues and designs from Tax and Compliance to the relevant ITS delivery teams and external partners to facilitate the successful execution of the business requirements.
• Collaborate with IT Delivery teams to ensure release plans are prioritized according to the product strategy.
• In partnership with the Global Tax & Compliance Process Owners, execute technology strategy and roadmap for platforms and functionality in scope, ensuring effective planning, prioritization, delivery, & continuous improvement within it.
• Remain current on product developments that are relevant (more specifically with Vertex, DRC, e-Invoicing) and evaluate those which may be most beneficial to FME. The scope extends beyond the functionality that is delivered in periodic releases by vendors. Implement new functionality when appropriate and upon approval in partnership with the business.
• Support the Consolidation team with the deployment of Group Reporting.
• Facilitate stakeholder clarification and conflict resolution to ensure all system changes, including configuration, are completed according to approved requirements, and all documentation and signoff requirements are fulfilled.
• Develop Acceptance criteria definition to ensure all testing and quality assurance requirements for all systems changes are complete, in collaboration with relevant ITS functions.
• Manage the tactical execution of short- and long-term objectives through the coordination of activities with a direct responsibility for results, including costs, methods, and staffing.
• Support for the fulfillment of all audit and compliance requirements, including Software Development Life Cycle, SOX, Global Data Privacy, Information Security, Internal Controls, Workers Council, ITS Portfolio Management, etc.
• Support all ITS Enterprise Services governance processes including Intake Process, Change Request Process, Initiative Review & Approval Process, Release Management Process, etc.
• Provide overall direction and guidance to assigned project managers and staff in the design, development, maintenance, disaster recovery and enhancements of business applications and related technologies.
• Prepare management activity and progress reports on all department systems analysis and programming activities.
• Reviews objectives to determine the success of the operation and value realization.
• Interacts frequently with internal departments and external customers/vendors; particularly in problem resolution.
• Assist with various projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires approximately 5% to 10% travel.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Finance/Accounting or equivalent); Advanced Degree desirable or an equivalent combination of education and experience

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• 6-8 years’ related experience with SAP S/4 Hana, Finance and Controlling, DRC, e-Invoicing, Vertex for Indirect Tax determination
• Hands-on experience in supporting the business with troubleshooting issues; deep knowledge of product configuration
• Extensive experience with technical issues in large environments with complex financial supply chain flows & multi-tiered applications
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of management through diplomacy and tact
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for interaction with personnel both within and outside the company and at all levels including ability to effectively communicate with sometimes demanding clients
• Proven applications and technical knowledge, including relevant hardware and software systems of large-scale enterprise systems
• Proven leadership, organizational, and planning skills
• Application management and development expertise
• An ability to negotiate vendor product features, functions, and schedules, on behalf of the company
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Approaches all new challenges and requirements from a process and operational efficiency mindset