Record to Report Strategy & Optimization Associate Director

Associate Director, Global Accounting

Are you an experienced and motivated accounting or finance professional with a passion for driving process improvements and delivering impactful business outcomes? Vertex is seeking a results-oriented and collaborative Associate Director with strong expertise in process optimization to join our Global Accounting organization. Reporting to the Senior Director, Record-to-Report (R2R) Strategy & Optimization, the Associate Director will support the execution of the R2R strategy and roadmap by managing key projects, assisting in process documentation and supporting the successful delivery of high-priority improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. This role is ideal for a hands-on professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to deepen their process optimization and leadership expertise while helping transform Vertex's accounting and reporting processes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the R2R strategy and roadmap in partnership with the Senior Director by translating priorities into plans, process documentation, analysis, deliverables, and stakeholder alignment to drive measurable improvements in close and reporting outcomes.
• Identify and prioritize R2R optimization opportunities (standardization, simplification, automation) by diagnosing pain points, root causes, and gaps to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Lead end-to-end documentation of current-state and future-state R2R processes (including value stream mapping) for optimization initiatives and NextGen ERP, defining system/process touchpoints to support scalable enterprise growth, accelerated close and reporting cycle, and enhanced financial insights.
• Drive implementation of approved improvements through process redesign, policy/control updates, and technology enablement to deliver sustainable change and reduce close and reporting cycle time.
• Develop and maintain R2R playbooks, toolkits, and training materials, and support enablement activities to drive consistent adoption of new processes, controls, and tools across stakeholder groups.
• Lead assigned R2R initiatives to optimize close and external reporting by managing scope, timeline, risks, dependencies, and decisions to ensure successful value realization and business adoption.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Accounting, Finance, IT, Treasury, Tax, and Legal to gather requirements, align decisions, and remove blockers so solutions meet enterprise needs and integrate across the finance ecosystem.
• Define success metrics and reporting for R2R initiatives (e.g., cycle time, automation rate, rework, compliance/control performance) and translate them into executive dashboards tracking baseline, status, risks, key decisions, and value realization.
• Develop business cases and executive-ready materials (including cost-benefit analyses and resourcing plans) to secure sponsorship, alignment, funding, and timely decisions for R2R transformation efforts.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the R2R by staying informed on leading practices, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Record-to-Report (R2R) and close expertise, including a strong knowledge of core accounting concepts and processes, external reporting considerations, enabling technologies, and the end-to-end finance process landscape.
• Proven process optimization experience, including process documentation, value stream mapping, standardization/simplification, performance measurement, and continuous improvement methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail, including the ability to quantify opportunities/benefits, identify root causes, and translate findings into practical recommendations and actionable solutions.
• High standards of integrity, ownership, and accountability, with a positive, collaborative working style and a growth-oriented/continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication, influence, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across functions and geographies.
• Strong project management skills to lead multiple workstreams, manage scope, timeline, risks, and drive decision making through implementation and adoption.
• Knowledge of internal controls and public company compliance requirements (e.g., SOX).
• Change management and enablement skills, including developing playbooks, training materials, and communications to drive consistent adoption.
• Experience partnering with solution teams (e.g., PMO, Technology, continuous improvement) to drive transformation projects.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
• MBA, MSA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Typically requires 8+ years of experience in finance or accounting within large, complex organizations.
• Big 4 and life sciences industry experience preferred.
• CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leading process improvement initiatives in accounting or finance.

Other Requirements:

• Stakeholder interactions will largely be in Boston, MA or virtual with international colleagues.
• Optional travel opportunities may exist to meet other regional stakeholders and oversee implementations impacting other regions (e.g., London where certain R2R team members reside) or domestically for industry conferences.

Pay Range: $134,400 - $201,600

Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family, and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental, and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k), and so much more.

Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.