AI Finance Transformation Manager Santa Clara, California, United States
Palo Alto Networks, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, United States
Job Summary
This is not a typical finance role. We are building a new team at the nexus of finance, data science, and artificial intelligence, and we are looking for the next generation of innovators to help architect our future. As the Finance AI Transformation Lead, you are the architect of the next-generation finance operating model at Palo Alto Networks. We are moving beyond incremental automation to build an "AI-first" FP&A function. You will partner with senior leaders across Finance, IT, and the wider business to design and implement novel solutions from the ground up. If you are passionate about building sophisticated models, discovering insights in complex data, and seeing your work directly influence multi‑billion dollar decisions, this is a unique opportunity to define your career at the forefront of the industry.
Key Responsibilities
Lead initiatives to develop AI agents and automated workflows
that can be scaled across different finance FP&A teams
AI-First Process Redesign : Moving beyond automating existing spreadsheets, lead the redesign of processes from the ground to be AI-native (e.g., shifting from manual variance analysis to real‑time, agentic anomaly detection).
Strategic Finance Tech Stack advisor
– evaluate existing ERP systems, emerging AI vendors and assess where we should build vs. buy to ensure we have a scalable, high‑performance infrastructure.
Deliver Insights : Leverage AI to uncover KPIs and business drivers that enable proactive discussions with executive leadership on resource allocation and investment decisions.
Change Leadership : Lead cross‑functional teams (Data Engineers, Finance SMEs, IT) to define the business objectives, align on approach, and drive projects from proof‑of‑concept to deployment.
Qualifications
Required Experience:
8+ years of experience in Financial Systems Strategy or Finance Transformation. Have a deep architectural understanding of the "Data Journey" — from transactional ERPs (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to EPM platforms (e.g., Pigment, Anaplan). Track record of re‑engineering workflows to eliminate "toil" and improve data integrity through governance and change management.
Proficiency in the Modern Finance Tech Stack. Familiarity with data analysis and hands‑on experience operationalizing AI to solve specific FP&A pain points (e.g., automated variance commentary or predictive forecasting).
Strong problem‑solving. Demonstrated ability to navigate high‑ambiguity environments and "blue ocean" projects.
Excellent project management skills with a track record of successful system implementations and leading cross‑functional initiatives end‑to‑end.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or a related field. MBA or advanced technical certification is a plus.
Preferred Experience:
Proficient in SQL and Python for data manipulation.
Compensation Disclosure
The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non‑sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com‑missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.
$151,000.00 - $244,000.00/yr
A description of our employee benefits may be found here.
Accommodations & EEO Statements
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.
Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This is not a typical finance role. We are building a new team at the nexus of finance, data science, and artificial intelligence, and we are looking for the next generation of innovators to help architect our future. As the Finance AI Transformation Lead, you are the architect of the next-generation finance operating model at Palo Alto Networks. We are moving beyond incremental automation to build an "AI-first" FP&A function. You will partner with senior leaders across Finance, IT, and the wider business to design and implement novel solutions from the ground up. If you are passionate about building sophisticated models, discovering insights in complex data, and seeing your work directly influence multi‑billion dollar decisions, this is a unique opportunity to define your career at the forefront of the industry.
Key Responsibilities
Lead initiatives to develop AI agents and automated workflows
that can be scaled across different finance FP&A teams
AI-First Process Redesign : Moving beyond automating existing spreadsheets, lead the redesign of processes from the ground to be AI-native (e.g., shifting from manual variance analysis to real‑time, agentic anomaly detection).
Strategic Finance Tech Stack advisor
– evaluate existing ERP systems, emerging AI vendors and assess where we should build vs. buy to ensure we have a scalable, high‑performance infrastructure.
Deliver Insights : Leverage AI to uncover KPIs and business drivers that enable proactive discussions with executive leadership on resource allocation and investment decisions.
Change Leadership : Lead cross‑functional teams (Data Engineers, Finance SMEs, IT) to define the business objectives, align on approach, and drive projects from proof‑of‑concept to deployment.
Qualifications
Required Experience:
8+ years of experience in Financial Systems Strategy or Finance Transformation. Have a deep architectural understanding of the "Data Journey" — from transactional ERPs (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to EPM platforms (e.g., Pigment, Anaplan). Track record of re‑engineering workflows to eliminate "toil" and improve data integrity through governance and change management.
Proficiency in the Modern Finance Tech Stack. Familiarity with data analysis and hands‑on experience operationalizing AI to solve specific FP&A pain points (e.g., automated variance commentary or predictive forecasting).
Strong problem‑solving. Demonstrated ability to navigate high‑ambiguity environments and "blue ocean" projects.
Excellent project management skills with a track record of successful system implementations and leading cross‑functional initiatives end‑to‑end.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or a related field. MBA or advanced technical certification is a plus.
Preferred Experience:
Proficient in SQL and Python for data manipulation.
Compensation Disclosure
The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non‑sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com‑missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus.
$151,000.00 - $244,000.00/yr
A description of our employee benefits may be found here.
Accommodations & EEO Statements
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.
Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
#J-18808-Ljbffr