Sr. Manager- Global Shared Services

SSOE is seeking a highly strategic and operationally strong Global Shared Services & Corporate Operations Leader to build and scale our India-based shared services and corporate support functions.

This role will bold-line report to the US CFO and maintain a dotted-line reporting relationship to the India Country Leader. In addition to leading the India Finance Shared Services team (Billing, AR, AP, Payroll), this individual will provide dotted-line oversight and strategic coordination for HR, IT, and Central Services functions in India, supporting the continued globalization of our corporate workforce model. This position is integral to executing a global workforce strategy designed to enhance operational scalability, improve service delivery, and reduce corporate overhead as the organization grows internationally. Experience serving in a similar global shared services leadership capacity is required. AEC industry experience is preferred but not required.

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Global Shared Services Leadership (Finance Operations)

• Oversee day-to-day operations of Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll shared services teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, collections, vendor payments, employee payroll, and related financial transactions.
• Monitor workflow, capacity planning, and workforce allocation to optimize productivity.
• Establish, track, and report KPIs and SLAs across all finance shared services functions.
• Drive operational excellence while supporting US-based leadership during US hours of operation.
• Ensure all financial transactions comply with GAAP, internal controls, and company policies.
• Develop and optimize rate schedules for company and client engagements.
• Monitor and enhance tools for cash control and forecasting.
• Review general ledger balances for accuracy and appropriateness.
• Maintain strong internal controls related to billing accuracy, vendor setup, payroll processing, and approval workflows.
• Support internal and external audits, including remediation plans.
• Oversee payroll and vendor tax compliance requirements

Corporate Services Workforce Strategy (Expanded Scope)

• Serve as India-based strategic leader for the expansion of global corporate services teams.
• Provide dotted-line oversight and coordination for: Human Resources, Information Technology, and Central / Administrative Services.
• Partner with US corporate leadership to design and execute a scalable global workforce strategy.
• Identify opportunities to transition, build, or expand corporate capabilities in India to improve efficiency and cost structure.
• Develop multi-year workforce planning models aligned with global growth projections.
• Ensure alignment between India-based teams and global corporate standards, policies, and service expectations.
• Support change management initiatives related to organizational scaling and global integration.

Process Standardization & Optimization

• Develop and maintain standardized global processes, policies, and documentation.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives, including automation and ERP enhancements.
• Implement best practices to improve accuracy, reduce cycle times, and enhance internal stakeholder satisfaction.
• Champion AI-driven productivity tools across shared services functions.

Executive Partnership & Stakeholder Leadership

• Act as the senior India-based corporate services liaison to US corporate leadership.
• Provide regular operational reporting, performance dashboards, and workforce strategy updates.
• Serve as escalation point for cross-functional operational issues.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, HR, IT, and Operations leadership globally.
• Support the India Country Leader in aligning corporate growth initiatives with local execution capabilities.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing, multi-disciplinary shared services organization.
• Establish performance goals and career progression frameworks.
• Develop future leaders within India corporate functions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Ensure teams are effectively leveraging technology and AI tools to enhance productivity.

Reporting Structure:

• Direct (Bold-Line) Reporting: Chief Financial Officer (US).
• Dotted-Line Reporting: India Country Leader.
• Dotted-Line Functional Coordination: HR, IT, and Central Services Leaders.

Shift timings:

12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. IST (India evening shift to ensure overlap with the U.S.).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, Master's degree preferable.
• Minimum of 20 years of total experience, including substantial exposure to Shared Services, Global Business Services (GBS), or Corporate Operations. Should include 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi-functional or cross-border teams.
• Demonstrated experience scaling or transforming a global shared services model.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems and financial controls.
• Experience supporting global workforce strategy or offshore/nearshore expansion initiatives.
• Ability to work US hours of operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• AEC industry experience (preferred but not required).
• Certifications such as CPA, CMA, CPP, or equivalent.
• Experience in global workforce planning and cost optimization strategy.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
• Experience implementing automation and AI-enabled operational solutions.

Key Competencies

• Strategic global mindset with operational execution capability
• Executive presence and cross-cultural leadership skills
• Strong financial acumen and business partnership orientation
• Change management and transformation leadership
• Data-driven decision making
• High accountability and ownership mentality
• Ability to balance long-term strategy with hands-on operational leadership
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits- Compensation – as per market standards  

• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses, incentives, and recognition programs.   
• As an employee-owned firm, we offer ownership opportunities to all employees at the associate level and above. This senior associate-level role will allow you to become a shareholder of SSOE.
• Comprehensive health insurance (Employee, spouse, two children and one set of parents and accident coverage, Employee Assistance Program, Parental leave, Paid time off, retirals - Provident Fund and gratuity)   

Additional Perks 

• Flexible and hybrid work options (role-dependent).   
• Opportunities for international exposure and travel.   
• Structured mentorship and leadership access.   
• Learning and development support, including certification reimbursement.   
• Employee engagement initiatives, clubs, and collaborative culture.