At UniFirst, we empower people to be their best selves and to do their best work. This is a critical leadership role in UniFirst’s Corporate IT organization and is responsible for providing a portfolio of IT Financial Planning & Analysis shared services to both the Enterprise IT department and the SRO teams. Day to day this role will focus on providing strategic leadership for the OCITO, including financial management, vendor management, and contract management. This role will also oversee groups responsible for monthly reporting, IT procurement, software licensing compliance, and legal and contract compliance. As a key member of the enterprise IT leadership team, you will partner cross-functionally to formulate and analyze the results, forecasts, and plans for the enterprise IT organization; assesses service costing at global, regional, departmental, and project levels; ensures projects adequately meet financial and strategic goals; interacts regularly with the Chief Financial Officer to assess and plan IT spending; and provides ongoing analyses of project benefits and returns on investments.
Job detail:
• Collaborate with the Chief Information Technology Officer, SRO leadership and various IT functional areas, and outside consultants to assess feasibility, determine costs versus benefits, prioritize projects, and develop and implement systems plans that address the Company’s information requirements and adhere to established strategic business and systems objectives.
• Lead a team committed to achieving success with highly visible, complex, and multi-faceted projects by effectively partnering with business subject matter experts and various project teams to provide high quality, cost-effective project management, analytic support services, and technical expertise.
• Develop, review, and present budget and forecasting for the global IT functions, SRO and any shared services and ensure they comply with stated goals, guidelines, and objectives.
• Prepare financial models, business narratives, and presentations related to IT projects and SRO projects to be presented by the incumbent or submitted to the Company’s Investment Committees and executive management.
• Provide financial models and analyses and valuation support for new and existing projects, short- and long-term IT outsourcing contracts, and other ad-hoc financial projects.
• Lead IT contract negotiations related to outsourcing partners and vendor pricing.
• Represent Enterprise IT and SRO on all IT Portfolio Investment Committees; validate capacities, financial impacts, budget availability, and external resourcing needs to ensure regional business plans aligned with respective financial plans and enterprise resource coordination.
• Coordinate closely with, and provide relevant information to, the Tax department to ensure expense allocations related to shared services, project schedules, and software expenses are properly reported.
• Conduct financial analysis of strategic initiatives, including business case development, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate the costs, benefits, and return on investment (ROI) of strategic projects.
• Monitor and track the financial performance of strategic initiatives, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for IT and SRO leadership and stakeholders, summarizing financial performance and key insights.
• Collaborate with project managers and other team members to ensure accurate financial data and reporting.
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and controls related to strategic investments.
• Evaluate potential investment opportunities, mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships, as needed.
• Provide financial guidance and support to cross-functional teams, helping them make informed decisions.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes that may impact the organization's financial performance.
Qualifications• Between 15–20 years of progressive finance experience, including financial modeling and financial planning and analysis in high growth, large enterprise companies that have reached at least $500 million in annual revenues required.
• At least 10 years of management experience required.
• Business unit budgeting and reporting experience required.
• Experience implementing and using enterprise-wide planning tools strongly preferred.
• Experience managing and enhancing an effective budgeting and forecasting process in a very fast paced, dynamic environment required.
• Strong track record of adding value to critical business decisions by using sophisticated financial models and analyses.
• Familiarity with corporate accounting, corporate governance, and managing capital investment approvals.
• Approximately 10% travel may be required in support of the position’s responsibilities.
• Strong organization, planning, and project management skills; ability to prioritize tasks for self and team to meet requirements and deadlines.
• Ability to work with different functional groups and levels of employees to effectively and professionally achieve results.
• Strong leadership skills; ability to drive and motivate team to achieve results.
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree or Chartered Financial Analyst certification required.
