Key Responsibilities** **Finance Operations AI Automation** + Automate accounts payable and accounts receivable processing including invoice capture, matching, and approval + Build reconciliation automations across GL, bank, credit card, and intercompany accounts + Develop expense report processing, policy compliance checking, and anomaly detection systems + Create procurement automations for PO generation, vendor onboarding, and spend categorization + Implement AI-powered financial close acceleration and journal entry automation **Controls, Compliance & Audit Readiness** + Ensure all finance automations meet SOX, internal controls, and audit documentation requirements + Partner with Internal Audit and Controllership on design reviews and control attestation + Build comprehensive logging, lineage, and traceability into every automation + Implement segregation-of-duties and approval workflows correctly in every design + Maintain audit-ready documentation and evidence of all deployed workflows **Measurement & Financial Impact** + Track manual hours eliminated, cost savings realized, and processing time reductions + Quantify error rate reduction and the controls impact of automation + Partner with FP&A on ROI reporting and business case development + Identify financial process inefficiencies through data analysis and stakeholder interviews + Deliver weekly updates on automation performance, savings, and roadmap **Required Qualifications** + Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, or related field + 4+ years of experience in finance automation, RPA, or software development for finance functions + Strong proficiency in Python and SQL with experience building production automation + Hands-on experience with LLMs and document AI (OCR, invoice extraction, intelligent document processing) + Working knowledge of accounting principles, GL structures, and financial close processes + Experience with at least one major ERP platform (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday Financials) + Understanding of SOX controls, audit evidence requirements, and financial compliance + Excellent communication skills to work with Controllers, FP&A, and Internal Audit **Preferred Qualifications** + Experience with AP automation platforms (Coupa, Tipalti, Bill.com, Stampli) + Familiarity with RPA platforms (UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism) + Background in public company finance environments with SOX compliance + Experience with document AI services (AWS Textract, Azure Document Intelligence) + CPA, CMA, or other finance certifications (or willingness to pursue) + Background in EdTech, SaaS, or subscription business finance operations **Tools & Technologies** You should be comfortable with many of the following: + Languages: Python, SQL, JavaScript/TypeScript + AI/ML: OpenAI API, Anthropic API, AWS Textract, Azure Document Intelligence + ERP: NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday Financials + Finance Systems: Coupa, Tipalti, Bill.com, Concur, BlackLine + RPA: UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Power Automate + Data: Snowflake, PostgreSQL, Databricks **Key Competencies** + Financial Fluency - speaks the language of Controllers, FP&A, and auditors + Controls Attitude - builds automations that strengthen rather than weaken controls + Precision & Rigor - delivers audit-ready, documented, traceable systems + ROI Focus - quantifies savings and efficiency in CFO-ready language + Process Design - decomposes complex finance processes into automatable steps + Compliance Awareness - understands SOX, audit, and regulatory requirements **What We Offer** + Opportunity to shape AI at scale across a global learning company + Direct impact on business outcomes, product, and workforce productivity + Access to cutting-edge AI tools, platforms, and technologies + Collaborative team environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement + Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits + Professional development and learning opportunities Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. This role demands a rare combination: the technical chops to build production AI automation, the financial fluency to understand GL accounts and reconciliation logic, and the rigor to build audit-ready, controls-compliant systems.