Interim Systems Finance Specialist

My client is undertaking a major finance transformation programme through the implementation of OneAdvanced Financials (formerly e5 or eFinancials) a significant step forward in modernising the Council's finance systems and processes.

As the project moves into its next phase, the Council is looking to appoint an experienced Interim Business Change Lead to drive engagement, adoption and business readiness across the organisation.

Reporting to the Project Manager and working alongside an established project team, including a dedicated Finance Lead, this role will be instrumental in ensuring that colleagues across the Council understand the benefits of the new system and are prepared for the changes it will bring to the way they work.

This is not a technical systems implementation role. Instead, the successful candidate will act as the bridge between the project team and the wider business, helping operational users understand how the new system will improve processes, streamline activities and support better ways of working.

The Council is seeking an individual with outstanding stakeholder engagement and business partnering skills, capable of working closely with finance teams and operational users, particularly within areas such as Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. The focus will be on leading conversations, managing change, building buy-in and promoting the benefits of the new system, rather than delivering technical training.

Candidates are likely to be qualified accountants or finance professionals who have moved into business change, transformation or finance improvement roles. Previous involvement in a finance systems implementation, finance transformation programme or service redesign project is essential. A background within local government finance is highly desirable, and whilst experience of OneAdvanced Financials would be advantageous, it is by no means a prerequisite.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the business change workstream for the OneAdvanced Financials implementation.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across finance and operational services.
• Assess and communicate the impact of system changes on business processes and ways of working.
• Act as an ambassador for the project, promoting the benefits and opportunities presented by the new system.
• Support managers and end users through the change journey, addressing concerns and encouraging adoption.
• Develop and deliver communication and engagement plans.
• Drive business readiness activities ahead of system go-live.
• Work closely with the Project Manager, Finance Lead and wider project team to ensure successful delivery.

Candidate Profile

• Strong local authority finance background.
• Qualified accountant or finance professional with experience beyond traditional finance responsibilities.
• Proven involvement in a finance system implementation, finance transformation or redesign programme.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrable experience leading organisational change.
• Ability to engage effectively with users at all levels, from operational teams through to senior stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive and confident working within a project environment.

The role can be offered on a remote or hybrid basis with a day rate of £650 to £700 a day, inside IR35.