Job Description

The Vice President - Data & Research & Development (R&D) Business Finance will play a critical role in financial planning, business partnering, cost efficiency, and finance transformation across MSCI s Data and Research & Development (R&D) functions . The position will report into Technology & Data and Research & Development Finance Director. Your Key Responsibilities Key Responsibilities: Business Partnering & Strategic Decision Support Function as a Finance Business Partner to senior leaders in Data and R&D Functions , aligning financial strategy with business objectives. Develop expense/investment frameworks for resource allocation, ROI tracking, and investment payback analysis to drive high-impact growth. Implement a cost efficiency framework ensuring spending optimization , balancing business growth and operational/financial risks . Support manage AI Financial Scorecard and/or any other criticial initiaves that may emerge from time to time. Financial Planning, Reporting & Performance Management Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning in line with MSCI s planning framework. Establish Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) methodologies to improve financial discipline and spending efficiency and develop predictive analytics, and scenario planning to enhance decision-making. Deliver executive-level reports, presentations, and dashboards providing real-time financial insights. Implement financial and non-financial KPIs to enhance cost transparency, efficiency, and accountability . Support Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), Financial Reviews (QFRs), Operating Reviews, and PI Planning . Finance Transformation & Process Optimization Drive finance automation and process efficiencies through digital tools and AI-powered analytics. Leveraging BI solutions and advanced data visualization techniques to drive automation of reporting by integrate multiple data sources (such as SAP, EDWH, SharePoint, Board International, Excel spreadsheets, etc.), Power Automate and Agentic AI. Team Leadership & People Management Build and lead a high-performing finance team (2-4 members) , fostering innovation, collaboration, and financial excellence. Mentor and develop finance professionals, ensuring continuous learning in Business Finance and Strategic Business Support . Promote cross-functional collaboration and empower teams to make data-driven financial decisions . Your skills and experience that will help you excel 10+ years of experience in Finance, FP&A, or Business Finance Professional qualifications such as CA or MBA in Finance are strongly preferred. Bachelor s Degree in Finance or Accounting is required. Deep understanding of technology/Research & Development Finance, Cloud computing cost models, and SaaS financial planning, experience in capitalized software accounting (CapEx vs. OpEx), will be an added benefit. Proficiency in financial modelling, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making tools (Excel, Power BI, Board International, SAP), including strong presentation skills (creation as well as delivery). Strong expertise in finance transformation, digital finance, automation, and process optimization. Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and drive financial accountability.