Finance Systems Implementation Lead

Finance Systems Implementation Lead £50,000 - £58,000 per annum | 9 Month Contract | Manchester or London (Hybrid) Open to day rate options. Are you a finance systems professional who thrives on turning complex implementations into lasting improvements? Do you enjoy bridging the gap between finance and technology, and helping teams embrace new ways of working? We're recruiting a Finance Systems Implementation Lead for a well-respected public body at a pivotal point in its growth, as it prepares to take on new responsibilities linked to major sector-wide reforms. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the end-to-end implementation of a brand-new finance system that will transform how financial information is managed across the organisation.

The Role

Working closely with Finance, IT, external implementation partners and colleagues across the business, you'll help shape and deliver a successful finance system implementation from the ground up. From mapping current processes and supporting system configuration through to testing, training and embedding new ways of working, you'll play a central role in ensuring the project delivers real, lasting improvements to financial processes and reporting. This role would suit someone who enjoys project-based work, is passionate about improving processes and systems, and is equally comfortable talking accounting requirements with finance colleagues as they are working alongside IT teams and software suppliers. What You'll Be Doing * Leading the delivery and implementation of a new finance system, working alongside internal stakeholders and implementation partners * Setting up and leading the project team, ensuring business requirements are understood and translated into system solutions * Reviewing existing finance processes and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, controls and automation * Overseeing system configuration, testing, data migration and user acceptance testing (UAT) * Helping cleanse, validate and reconcile financial data throughout the implementation * Developing reporting requirements and supporting the creation of dashboards and management information * Producing process documentation, user guides and training materials * Delivering training and supporting colleagues in adopting new systems and processes * Building strong relationships across Finance, IT and operational teams to ensure successful project delivery * Supporting project planning, risk management and issue resolution throughout implementation * Ensuring appropriate financial controls and governance are maintained throughout the transition

About You

* High levels of experience delivering finance system implementations, ERP projects or finance transformation initiatives * Qualified or part-qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent), or significant relevant experience * Strong understanding of finance processes, financial controls and management reporting * Experience working within project teams, specifically within a systems implementation or change environment * Experience of business process mapping, requirements gathering and process improvement * Experience supporting data migration, system testing and UAT * Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability * Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences * Strong organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities and project deadlines * Knowledge of reporting tools, BI platforms or ERP systems would be advantageous What's On Offer * Salary of £50,000 - £58,000 depending on experience * 9 month fixed term contract * 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays * Access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including Alpha (currently 28.9% employer contribution) * Employee assistance programme * Hybrid working (minimum two days per week in the office) * Based in Manchester or London, with travel to both locations If you're looking for a high-impact, project-based role where you can genuinely shape the future of financial systems within a purpose-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch to find out more