Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

The Finance Solution (FSA) stream is one of several global streams responsible for designing and implementing end to end services & solutions as Global Process Owner (GPO). As part of the GPO team, you will collaborate with multiple stakeholders to define the current and future state of adidas business and its processes, identify risks and opportunities, suggest mitigation strategies and drive towards technology solutions.

GBS Operations operate by executing Global Process Owner services and solutions.

FSA drives innovation to secure operational and timely processing across the GBS centers in line with global accounting standards and other regulatory requirements.

Scope of FSA

• E2E Intercompany Trade processes
• Inventory Accounting
• Standard Cost Price calculation
• E2E Cross-Functional Financial reporting integration, such as Sales & Margin reporting design
• Support processes, such as promo & free of charge, samples, MRLE etc.
• Finance Solution Architecture & consultancy for cross-functional processes, e.g. ECAAS processes, Trading Model evaluations & changes

Key Responsibilities 

• Own assigned FSA end-to-end processes and act as the global subject matter expert, providing process, accounting, data and technology expertise to GBS Operations, Markets and relevant Finance stakeholders.
• Analyze, design and implement end-to-end process improvements across FSA, related streams and markets, driving standardization, harmonization and automation in line with the 6-2-1 methodology.
• Lead and execute FSA transformation initiatives, including gap assessments, process changes and medium-sized projects, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, quality and business requirements and supporting sustainable adoption.
• Shape and execute the FSA technology and methodology roadmap, contributing to tool selection and enabling implementation, adoption and upskilling for solutions such as PaPM, costing and AI-enabled tools.
• Identify improvement opportunities through process and variance analysis, translate stakeholder requirements into options and recommendations, and facilitate fact-based decisions that drive continuous improvement.
• Drive standardized data management and master-data processes, improve data quality, and provide FSA expertise to resolve data-related issues and implement sustainable improvements.
• Translate Group Finance Manual, IFRS and other applicable accounting requirements into operational FSA processes, contribute to policies and process guidelines, and ensure consistent global process guidance and compliance.
• Support the design and effectiveness of internal controls within FSA processes, identify control improvement opportunities and facilitate implementation with relevant stakeholders.
• Support standardized reporting, KPIs and service-performance measurement with Delivery Excellence, ensuring transparency of quality, timeliness, compliance and productivity against GBS priorities, OKRs and SLAs.
• Partner with GBS operations, Corporate Finance, Management and market Finance to understand requirements, resolve complex process issues and communicate analysis, recommendations, decisions and change impacts effectively.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities to evaluate complex business challenges, identify opportunities for simplification, and drive innovative, scalable solutions through strong partnership and collaboration across functions.

Key Relationships 

• GBS VP’s
• GBS FSA Director
• Global Process Owners (Order-to-Cash, Source-to-Pay, Controlling & Reporting, Hire-to-Retire)
• Operational FSA Teams in Operations Centers
• GBS Global Governance
• Corporate Finance, Corporate Accounting, Corporate Treasury & Taxes
• Support Functions, i.e. IT
• Other business functions: Global Operations, Brand Marketing, Sales (Wholesale/Retail/e-com), HR
• Finance Markets
• External system providers/ consultants
• External contacts/ corporates for knowledge sharing and trends

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Global Business Services (GBS) or Shared Services environments.
• Solid knowledge of finance and accounting processes, including IFRS principles.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end process design and finance operations.
• Deep knowledge of SAP FI/CO modules.
• Good understanding of SAP SD and MM processes.
• Experience in process mapping, process governance, standardization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of procurement, travel and expense, inventory accounting, and financial reporting processes.
• Experience with data management, analytics, and reporting solutions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Experience coaching and guiding teams in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
• Strong results orientation and proactive approach.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• International mindset and willingness to work across diverse cultures and markets.
• Willingness to travel

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, IT, or a related field. Equivalent education and experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience in finance functions
• Strong understanding of accounting and financial processes
• Experience in data management
• Experience within Shared Services, GBS organizations, or multinational environments is preferred.
• Understanding of regional and global market landscape and the respective customers
• Proven project management experience