Summary

Guidewire is looking for an EMEA Finance Director to join our Global Finance team.

Job Description

The EMEA Finance Director will report directly into the Global Finance Corporate Controller, and will be in charge of the controlling and supervision of multiple European entities, driving the quality of financial information within the region, managing a team of twelve, and representing Finance on regional matters.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that the business is managed against key financial targets and taking the lead in the resolution of any significant finance issues in the region.
• Ensure that there are strong effective financial controls across all offices and in line with group guidelines (e.g., AR/credit control, segregation of duties, payroll practices) and monitoring key balance sheet items (e.g., cash, accruals, payroll, intercompany).
• Work closely with each of the businesses to challenge assumptions, ensure timely updates, and help improve the overall reporting and planning process.
• Responsible for keeping up to date with the latest developments in financial reporting, including US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and IFRS, and ensuring the statutory reports and tax filings are filed on time.
• Responsible for ensuring that the finance function meets the needs of the global business, working effectively with the local business heads and complying with agreed finance processes.
• Ensure strong management of all finance staff, including identifying development needs of key finance staff in EMEA, and ensuring that there is a succession plan.
• Work closely with corporate functions, including Finance, Tax, Treasury, HR/payroll.
• Support the European Leadership team to develop and execute on a broad European business plan.
• Providing monthly and quarterly reporting, tax, and internal control packages to US headquarters.
• Guidewire fosters a culture of curiosity, innovation, and responsible use of AI, empowering our teams to continuously leverage emerging technologies and data-driven insights to enhance productivity and outcomes.

Requirements

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) who has operated as Finance Director of a technology company - preferably US-based.
• Excellent leader of people with proven experience of driving high-quality performance teams.
• Experience of working within a matrix environment, across multiple European countries, is essential.
• Experience of understanding deal contracting process and the impact of deal provisions on financial reporting is desirable.
• Ability to analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions and proposals.
• Ability to ensure best practice for the use of Finance systems across Europe and compliance with group requirements.
• Track record of business partnering and working closely with a General Manager / Managing Director.
• Be an enthusiastic team player with strong technical skills, an inquisitive and challenging approach, an exceptional analytical ability, and a willingness to take ownership.
• Challenging but diplomatic style with the credibility to work at the highest levels across the organization.
• Attention to detail, able to work under pressure to deadlines, and with initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills at all levels, credibility with senior management - resilience, adaptability, and the ability to learn new systems swiftly.
• Demonstrated ability to embrace AI and apply it to your role, as well as use data-driven insights to drive innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement.

About Guidewire

Guidewire is the platform P&C insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently. We combine digital, core, analytics, and AI to deliver our platform as a cloud service. More than 540+ insurers in 40 countries, from new ventures to the largest and most complex in the world, run on Guidewire.

Guidewire Software, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace and believe that a diversity of perspectives, abilities, and cultures is a key to our success. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability. All offers are contingent upon passing a criminal history and other background checks where it's applicable to the position.