Director, Finance Operations, Workday Optimization

Central 1

Director driving finance operations and Workday optimization at Central 1. Leading cross-functional finance transformation initiatives and automation across financial processes.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeToronto • 🇨🇦 CanadaLead💰 CA$130,000 - CA$145,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading finance transformation initiatives, optimizing Workday and Adaptive systems, and driving automation to enhance operational efficiency. Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects, establish data governance, and implement scalable solutions that support business growth.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Workday (HCM & Financials) ExpertiseFinance Systems ImplementationAI and Advanced Analytics UtilizationProcess Automation and OptimizationCross-Functional Project Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Finance TransformationFinancial Close ProcessesBudgeting and ForecastingFP&A ProcessesData ManagementSystem IntegrationsReporting SolutionsDashboards DevelopmentAutomation ToolsEnterprise Finance Systems

Soft Skills

People LeadershipAnalytical ThinkingStrategic ThinkingProblem-SolvingCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

WorkdayAdaptive PlanningAI ToolsAdvanced Analytics PlatformsAutomation Software

Industry Keywords

FinanceHRISPayrollWorkforce PlanningOperational ExcellenceData GovernanceCompliance FrameworksChange Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute the roadmap for Workday, Adaptive, and finance systems, ensuring they support business growth and operational excellence.
Lead finance transformation initiatives to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and eliminate manual work.
Champion the use of AI and advanced analytics to enhance forecasting, reporting, and decision-making.
Lead cross-functional projects and other strategic initiatives as needed.
Drive automation across financial reporting, planning, allocations, and close processes to improve accuracy, speed, and scalability.
Identify process inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions that enhance operational effectiveness.
Accelerate month-end and year-end close timelines through process redesign and system optimization.
Optimize Workday and Adaptive performance, adoption, and system capabilities.
Develop self-service dashboards and analytics that empower leaders with real-time insights.
Oversee system integrations and data governance to ensure accurate, reliable, and connected data across the organization.
Establish enterprise data standards and reporting frameworks that support informed decision-making.
Partner with Finance, HR, IT, Payroll, Revenue Operations, and other teams to align system capabilities with business needs.
Lead major system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements, ensuring successful delivery and adoption.
Manage strategic vendor relationships and serve as the key point of contact for critical partners.
Establish and maintain strong controls, governance practices, and compliance frameworks to support audit readiness.
Monitor and report on key metrics related to system performance, automation, user adoption, and operational efficiency.
Drive change management activities to ensure effective adoption of new systems, processes, and technologies.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience with Workday (HCM & Financials) and enterprise finance systems, including Adaptive Planning.
Proven success leading large-scale finance systems implementations, upgrades, or transformation initiatives.
Strong knowledge of Finance, HRIS, Payroll, Workforce Planning, and Reporting & Analytics.
Solid understanding of financial close, budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A processes.
Experience improving and automating business processes through technology and systems optimization.
Familiarity with AI, advanced analytics, or automation tools within enterprise environments.
Knowledge of data management, system integrations, dashboards, and reporting solutions.
Experience managing vendors and building strong external partnerships.
Proven people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, navigate ambiguity, and drive results.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.
Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Strong business acumen and understanding of financial and operational drivers.
A proactive, accountable, and results-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work-life flexibility
Hybrid work environment
Variable annual incentive plan
Generous annual vacation allotment
Top-notch flexible benefits plan including family building and gender affirmation
Retirement Plan, matched contributions at 6%
Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
Access to a virtual wellness platform
Career development opportunities
Wellness Flex Fund to support personal interest and activities
Day off to volunteer in your community and other paid time off options
Corporate discounts *subject to employment agreement