The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Manager, Finance Process Automation (L5)
3-5 years as an L5Skills to master
- Mastering team leadership, managing a portfolio of automation projects, building strong stakeholder relationships, and demonstrating consistent ROI on departmental automation initiatives.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed a team of 10-25 automation professionals, including other managers.
- Owned a departmental automation P&L of £500K-£2M, consistently hitting targets.
- Developed and executed a strategic automation roadmap for a significant finance sub-function (e.g., Accounts Payable, FP&A).
- Demonstrated strong influencing skills with senior leadership and cross-functional partners.
- 2
Senior Consultant / Principal at a Big 4 or Specialist Automation Consultancy
5-7 years at this levelSkills to master
- Leading large-scale finance transformation projects for multiple clients, developing automation strategies, managing complex client relationships, and building a strong reputation in the industry.
You're ready to move on when
- Led multi-million-pound finance automation engagements for Fortune 500 clients.
- Developed and sold new service offerings in intelligent automation.
- Managed project teams of 15-30 consultants and client staff.
- Proven ability to navigate complex client organisations and deliver tangible business value.
- 3
Director, Financial Systems or Head of Digital Finance in another large enterprise
3-5 years in a similar Director-level roleSkills to master
- Managing a broader portfolio of financial systems, integrating automation with other digital initiatives, and leading significant technology investments.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed a large financial systems department (50+ people).
- Successfully delivered enterprise-wide financial system implementations or upgrades.
- Demonstrated strong leadership in integrating various financial technologies for business impact.
- Proven track record of presenting to and influencing executive leadership.