Product Owner

Kforce has a client in Lansing, MI that is seeking a Product Owner to support the alignment of financial systems, tools, and processes with business objectives and operational requirements. This role serves as a key bridge between finance stakeholders and technology teams, ensuring that product initiatives deliver measurable business value while meeting compliance and reporting needs. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity with potential for long-term placement based on performance and organizational priorities. Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify needs, define requirements, and develop a product roadmap for finance-related systems and processes
• Partner with development teams to translate business requirements into actionable features and enhancements
• Act as the primary point of contact between business users and technical teams
• Manage and prioritize product backlogs, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs
• Write and refine user stories and acceptance criteria; participate in sprint ceremonies and ongoing Agile activities
• Support testing, validation, and demonstration of new features and system enhancements
• Facilitate user training and adoption of new functionality
• Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Contribute to strategic planning, goal setting, and continuous improvement initiatives within the function
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• At least 5 years of experience in business analysis, systems analysis, or related roles supporting business processes and technology solutions
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading or contributing to technology initiatives involving custom software solutions
• Strong understanding of SQL with the ability to read and write queries
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Foundational knowledge of accounting principles, including accounts receivable and accounts payable
• Experience supporting finance or accounting-related functions
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and communication skills

• Experience with enterprise financial platforms (e.g., PeopleSoft or similar systems)
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks, including SAFe methodologies
• Experience supporting commission or incentive-based payment structures
• Background in financial operations such as accounts receivable
• Exposure to insurance-related financial processes, including premium calculations across various coverage types