Automation Engineer

AI Automation Engineer – Finance & AccountingAt Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.Cengage's portfolio of businesses supports student choice by providing a range of pathways that help learners achieve their goals and lead a choice-filled life.Our culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery.The AI Automation Engineer – Finance & Accounting applies AI to finance operations at Cengage to reduce cost, increase accuracy, and eliminate manual work from AP, AR, reconciliation, and financial reporting workflows. You will partner directly with the Controller, FP&A, and Procurement teams to identify and deliver high-value automation opportunities.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. The ideal candidate has delivered finance automation in a public company or regulated environment and knows where the landmines are.Key ResponsibilitiesFinance Operations AI AutomationAutomate accounts payable and accounts receivable processing including invoice capture, matching, and approvalBuild reconciliation automations across GL, bank, credit card, and intercompany accountsDevelop expense report processing, policy compliance checking, and anomaly detection systemsCreate procurement automations for PO generation, vendor onboarding, and spend categorizationImplement AI-powered financial close acceleration and journal entry automationControls, Compliance & Audit ReadinessEnsure all finance automations meet SOX, internal controls, and audit documentation requirementsPartner with Internal Audit and Controllership on design reviews and control attestationBuild comprehensive logging, lineage, and traceability into every automationImplement segregation-of-duties and approval workflows correctly in every designMaintain audit-ready documentation and evidence of all deployed workflowsMeasurement & Financial ImpactTrack manual hours eliminated, cost savings realized, and processing time reductionsQuantify error rate reduction and the controls impact of automationPartner with FP&A on ROI reporting and business case developmentIdentify financial process inefficiencies through data analysis and stakeholder interviewsDeliver weekly updates on automation performance, savings, and roadmapRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, or related field4+ years of experience in finance automation, RPA, or software development for finance functionsStrong proficiency in Python and SQL with experience building production automationHands-on experience with LLMs and document AI (OCR, invoice extraction, intelligent document processing)Working knowledge of accounting principles, GL structures, and financial close processesExperience with at least one major ERP platform (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday Financials)Understanding of SOX controls, audit evidence requirements, and financial complianceExcellent communication skills to work with Controllers, FP&A, and Internal AuditPreferred QualificationsExperience 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 complianceExperience 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 operationsTools & TechnologiesYou should be comfortable with many of the following:Languages: Python, SQL, JavaScript/TypeScriptAI/ML: OpenAI API, Anthropic API, AWS Textract, Azure Document IntelligenceERP: NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday FinancialsFinance Systems: Coupa, Tipalti, Bill.com, Concur, BlackLineRPA: UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Power AutomateData: Snowflake, PostgreSQL, DatabricksKey CompetenciesFinancial Fluency — speaks the language of Controllers, FP&A, and auditorsControls Attitude — builds automations that strengthen rather than weaken controlsPrecision & Rigor — delivers audit-ready, documented, traceable systemsROI Focus — quantifies savings and efficiency in CFO-ready languageProcess Design — decomposes complex finance processes into automatable stepsCompliance Awareness — understands SOX, audit, and regulatory requirementsWhat We OfferOpportunity to shape AI at scale across a global learning companyDirect impact on business outcomes, product, and workforce productivityAccess to cutting-edge AI tools, platforms, and technologiesCollaborative team environment focused on innovation and continuous improvementCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefitsProfessional development and learning opportunitiesCengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io CengageCengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.CompensationAt Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company's discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.10% Annual: Individual Target$150,000.00 - $200,000.00 USD