Director, Finance Transformation & Systems
Summary
Leads finance systems modernization, process optimization, and automation initiatives for a travel-expedition company, overseeing ERP and financial tools while ensuring compliance and scalable reporting.
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director, Finance Transformation & Systems plays a key role in modernizing the company’s financial systems, processes, and data environment. This role serves as the bridge between Finance, IT, and business stakeholders by owning core financial applications, driving process optimization, and ensuring scalable, well-controlled systems that support timely and accurate financial reporting. The ideal candidate combines strong accounting process knowledge with systems expertise and a continuous-improvement mindset. This senior leader will establish and execute the Finance systems strategy, lead enterprise transformation initiatives, and oversee programs that enhance automation, strengthen controls, and improve efficiency across the Finance organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Systems Ownership & Governance:
- Own the strategic direction, governance, and optimization as the subject-matter expert for key financial systems (ERP, subledgers, reporting tools).
- Oversee system configurations, upgrades, enhancements, and integrations, ensuring proper testing, documentation, and change controls.
- Partner with IT to manage issue resolution, system performance, and reliable data flows across platforms.
- Collaborate with IT to establish and maintain governance standards, including user access protocols, data integrity controls, and system documentation.
Transformation & Process Optimization:
- Lead enterprise-wide finance transformation initiatives focused on automation, simplification, and standardization.
- Evaluate current processes and identify opportunities to leverage technology to reduce manual work and streamline close activities.
- Provide executive program leadership for system implementations, new module deployments, or integration efforts with other business systems.
- Drive adoption of new system functionalities and ensure proper training for end users.
Systems Strategy & Roadmap:
- Document and maintain the full financial systems landscape, including integrations, data flows, and dependencies.
- Develop, own, and govern the multi-year Finance technology roadmap aligned with business growth, accounting needs, and internal controls.
- Influence and partner with executive leadership (Controller, CFO, IT, FP&A) to assess future-state requirements and translate them into prioritized initiatives.
- Track ongoing system performance metrics and ensure continuous improvement.
Controls, Compliance & IT General Controls:
- Partner with the SOX Senior Manager to oversee design and performance of ITGCs across financial applications.
- Coordinate and support internal/external audit requests related to system controls, configurations, and change management.
- Maintain process and system documentation to support compliance requirements.
- Monitor risks related to system access, segregation of duties, and data security.
- Lead remediation efforts for any system-related control deficiencies.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, financial systems, consulting, or finance transformation, including leadership of complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience leading at least one enterprise ERP implementation or large-scale finance transformation program.
- Strong understanding of accounting processes, internal controls, financial reporting, and finance operating models.
- Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
- Experience developing technology roadmaps, business cases, and governance models.
- Must be available to work onsite at least 3 days per week in our New York City-area office.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned.
OUR BENEFITS
• Travel benefits for employees and their family
• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests
• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit
• 7-8 Paid Holidays
• 1 Floating Holiday Options
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
• Parental Leave
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
• Pet Insurance discount
Hybrid Work Schedule
Positions based in our New York and Seattle offices follow a hybrid work schedule, requiring employees to work in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely Monday and Friday. Candidates must reside within reasonable commuting distance of their designated office.
Communication Skills
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.
Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.