Finance Systems Project Manager
We are pleased to be partnering with a nationally focused organisation working across energy efficiency, sustainability and the delivery of government-backed programmes to recruit a Finance Systems Project Manager on a two-year fixed-term contract.
The organisation manages significant grant and loan programmes on behalf of government and local authorities, alongside a growing portfolio of commercial work. It is now embarking on a major finance systems transformation, replacing a long-established legacy system with Microsoft Business Central.
This is a hands-on project management role rather than a pure systems accounting position. The successful candidate will lead the finance side of the implementation, working closely with the Head of Finance, IT, external implementation partners, a Business Analyst and a Systems Accountant.
About the role
The organisation has recently signed with its implementation partner and is currently in the design phase of a two-year programme.
You will take responsibility for managing the finance systems project from design through implementation, integration, testing, adoption and delivery.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Leading the implementation of Microsoft Business Central across Finance
* Translating finance requirements into effective system design
* Helping design dimensions, project codes, reporting structures and workflows
* Supporting the design of contract and timesheet functionality to allow accurate measurement of project profitability
* Managing integrations with existing CRM platforms, payroll, HR systems and the organisation's developing data environment
* Working closely with the Systems Accountant on UAT and integration testing
* Managing external implementation partners and internal stakeholders
* Maintaining project governance, including RAID logs, change logs, risks, dependencies and decision-making structures
* Supporting benefits realisation and ensuring the project remains aligned with its agreed objectives
* Ensuring appropriate governance and controls are maintained throughout the programme
* Working with a future Change and Adoption Manager to support successful implementation across the organisation
The finance environment is slightly more complex than a standard implementation. A significant proportion of the organisation's activity relates to managing large government-backed grant and loan programmes, with multiple operational systems feeding into Finance.
There is also a need to improve how the organisation records time against contracts and projects, allowing it to better understand delivery costs and profitability across its commercial activity.
The ideal candidate will bring
* Strong experience delivering finance systems implementation or transformation projects
* Good practical knowledge of finance systems and accounting processes
* Experience moving from a legacy finance system to a modern ERP environment
* A good understanding of system configuration, including dimensions, coding structures and reporting requirements
* Strong project management skills and familiarity with RAID logs, change control, risk management and governance structures
* Experience managing integrations between finance systems and other platforms
* Confidence working with APIs, data flows and system interfaces
* Experience working with external implementation partners
* The ability to understand detailed finance requirements and translate them into practical system solutions
* Strong stakeholder management skills across Finance, IT and operational teams
You do not necessarily need to be a qualified accountant. More important is a strong understanding of finance processes and systems, combined with demonstrable experience of successfully managing complex systems projects.
Experience with Microsoft Business Central would be useful, but candidates with strong experience of other ERP systems such as NetSuite, Dynamics or similar platforms will also be considered.
The team
Finance is a relatively small team of around 15 people, split broadly between London and Edinburgh.
The Head of Finance is highly systems-literate and will be closely involved in the programme. There is also a strong internal IT team, a dedicated Business Analyst and a Systems Accountant who will support areas such as UAT and integration testing.
The programme is therefore well resourced, with this role focused primarily on ensuring the project itself is properly managed and delivered.
Key details
* Salary: c.£70,000, with some flexibility for the right candidate
* Contract: Two-year fixed-term contract
* Location: Highly flexible / predominantly home-based
* Office base: London or Edinburgh depending on location
* Travel: Occasional team and project meetings across the UK
* Start: As soon as possible
* Programme stage: Design phase
* System: Microsoft Business Central
There is no regular office attendance requirement. Teams are spread across the UK and generally meet in person when there is a specific reason to do so. Occasional travel for project meetings and wider team sessions will be required.
This would suit someone who combines strong finance systems knowledge with disciplined project management and who is comfortable taking ownership of a significant implementation.
To apply or find out more, please submit your CV or contact us for a confidential conversation.