Senior Finance Analyst, Accounting Process Improvement

Job DescriptionThe Senior Analyst, Accounting Process Improvement position is responsible for leveraging our Oracle and third-party software investments through process optimization, continuous improvement, and automation. This position helps to safeguard our interfaces and reports while identifying opportunities to improve and automate our processes. This position will leverage our Data Services automation technology as well as other technologies, which could include RPA, Power Automate, etc.The Senior Analyst leverages Data Services as the primary automation platform while also identifying opportunities to apply other tools such as RPA and Power Automate. This role plays a key part in managing and prioritizing an automation backlog, translating business needs into functional specifications, and supporting initiatives through the full lifecycle—from design and implementation through testing, training, hypercare, and ongoing enhancements.This position works on mid‑ to large‑scale initiatives across General Accounting, supports deployed solutions through enhancement and ticket monitoring, and supervises an intern’s work activities. The analyst possesses a combination of intermediate financial and operational business experience with a strong software technical understanding.This position is not hybrid/remote and will be located at our Global Headquarters in Cleveland, OH.Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments.ResponsibilitiesCORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Intake, Process Understanding & Opportunity Identification Understand current‑state processes, workflows, controls, and pain points. Identify opportunities for process simplification, standardization, and automation. Assess potential automation approaches using Data Services as the primary tool, while identifying where additional tools (e.g., RPA, Power Automate) may be appropriate. Assess complexity, benefits, risks, and dependencies associated with proposed improvements. Prioritization & Planning Maintain and manage a backlog of process improvement and automation ideas. Partner with stakeholders to prioritize initiatives based on business value, effort, risk, and strategic alignment. Support planning activities for mid‑ to large‑scale initiatives, enhancements, and automation efforts. Apply continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., transactional Lean) to guide prioritization and solution approach. Analysis & Solution Design Identify, analyze, and document business, functional, and process requirements. Translate accounting requirements into functional specifications, process flows, and solution designs. Collaborate with technical teams to support system and technical design, ensuring alignment with business needs and data requirements. Identify downstream impacts, data considerations, integrations, and control implications when designing solutions. Implementation, Testing & Deployment Partner with business, General Accounting, and technical teams throughout solution development and deployment. Support build activities by clarifying requirements, reviewing designs, and resolving questions. Coordinate and support testing activities to ensure solutions meet functional requirements and business needs. Support training, deployment, and stabilization activities to ensure successful adoption. Provide post‑implementation support to address issues and ensure solutions stabilize as intended. Enhancements & Ongoing Support Monitor and coordinate enhancement requests and support tickets related to automated or improved processes. Partner with stakeholders to evaluate, prioritize, and support enhancements and refinements. Ensure process documentation, specifications, and training materials remain current as solutions evolve. Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Sharing Partner with existing automation teams to stay informed of new tools, capabilities, and enhancements, and identify where they can be leveraged across accounting processes. Share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned with Global General Accounting teams to both understand what others are doing and communicate current initiatives. Continuously seek opportunities to improve existing solutions and drive further efficiency and effectiveness. Contribute to broader finance and accounting transformation efforts. Collaboration, Communication & Leadership Serve as a trusted advisor to General Accounting teams on process improvement and automation. Facilitate working sessions and meetings; prepare agendas, document outcomes, and track action items. Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Supervise and mentor an intern supporting process improvement and automation initiatives. QualificationsPOSITION REQUIREMENTSRequired:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or IT. 3+ years’ experience in accounting, finance, or IT. Experience working in a matrixed environment with IT, finance, and business stakeholders requiredExperience leading or contributing to mid- to large-scale system implementations or enhancements Experience supporting production financial systems in a corporate environmentExperience with Microsoft Office Applications, specifically Excel. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future for employment visa status Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age Preferred:Master’s degree in business related field. 4+ years’ experience in business analyst/technology related roles supporting ERP financial applications such as Oracle. Advanced S-W business knowledge including Global SW structure, business processes, operations and goals. Experience supporting system upgrades, enhancements or rollouts of a business application(s). Travel: 10%About UsAt Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-beingCareer … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contributionConnection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communitiesIt's all here for you... let's Create Your PossibleAt Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/ . Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.