Finance Systems Director

As the Finance Systems Director, you will report directly to the Group Financial Controller and will lead on the implementation of a new finance system solution (Workday), working directly with our integration partners, internal implementation team and management to define system requirements, design and propose solutions, configure the software, train employees and provide overall project and financial governance from assessment to post go live. The Finance Systems Director will also be responsible for the development, maintenance, administration, and continued improvement of the Group’s core financial systems.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Finance System Upgrade Programme & Implementation

• Lead the Workday Financials implementation and upgrade project to ensure successful project delivery, within agreed timescales & budget,
• Manage the Workday partner vendor relationships and project resourcing in partnership with technology, finance and process leads for the implementation portfolio,
• Define and develop project plans for review, including but not limited to project scope, objectives, schedules, risk / issue management, change control, effort and cost estimates, resource requirements, budgets, and communications,
• Implement appropriate governance mechanisms and controls to enable effective Programme decision-making, quality of delivery and plans / designs are “signed off”;
• Oversee and facilitate requirement gathering, design, integration and mapping sessions,
• Oversee and facilitate all aspects of the development / implementation of the Programme involving departmental or cross-functional teams;
• Conduct system design reviews to ensure requirements are met and all stakeholders are aligned with project scope;
• Ensure all risks and issues are being actively monitored and identify appropriate / timely corrective actions;
• Define and develop sound testing strategies, including UAT’s, and execute in conjunction with the technical and business process leaders;
• Define and develop appropriate strategies for transitioning from implementation to ‘business as usual’;
• Define and develop appropriate roadmap for continued and sustainable support strategy post go live;
• Responsible for communicating to executive project sponsors, senior leaders, users and team members on the status of the Programme and the key project events.

Finance System Administration

• Manage and maintain the Workday Financials system, ensuring data integrity, security, and system performance. Oversee bi-annual system updates and enhancements, and patches.
• Configure and customise Workday Financials modules to meet business requirements.
• Responsible for the development & management of the Finance Systems Team, who will support, develop and maintain the Group’ finance systems providing an effective and intelligent helpdesk facility, delivering high service levels at all times,
• Meet with system owners, decision makers, and end users to define the business financial operations requirements, goals, and identify and resolve issues.
• Provide a link between finance and the larger IT department on any projects that require finance interaction and also work closely with IT resources to -
• Design, develop, implement and support end user tools that interact with the finance systems,
• Develop and maintain new and existing interfaces to and from the finance systems,
• Create and maintain financial reports and dashboards to support decision-making. Analyse financial data and system performance metrics to provide actionable insights.
• Support the finance team with the delivery of all financial reporting deadlines by assisting with report writing and system interrogation queries,
• Manage the provision of ongoing support and training to end-users. Develop training materials and conduct training sessions for new features and processes.
• Perform regular system audits and provide support for ITGC and financial audits.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization within the Workday Financials system. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance system efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintain the legacy Sage X3 financial system.

Skills and requirements

• Proven experience of managing the implementation of finance systems within complex global environments,
• Extensive Project / Change Management experience,
• Degree qualified in relevant discipline or equivalent,
• Understanding of the finance function processes and revenue recording systems,
• Excellent systems skills including -
  • Knowledge of servers and database structures,
  • Knowledge of systems infrastructure including multi-tiered architecture,
  • Experience of implementing and supporting financial systems, preferably Workday,
• Proactive and with “can-do” attitude is a must,
• Experience with analysing complex issues and delivering appropriate solutions,
• Experience in tracking delivery against scope, resources and budgets,
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop high performing motivated teams,
• Ability to positively influence and make decisions in collaboration with senior colleagues,
• Strong team facilitation, time management and organisational skills.