At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance systems change and enhance digital payment processes for a major lottery operator.
- Company: Join Allwyn UK, a leader in responsible lottery operations across Europe and the USA.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, wellness allowance, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on good causes while driving innovation in finance systems.
- Qualifications: Qualified in ACA/ACCA/CIMA with experience in finance systems and technology change.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At the heart of everything we do is our vision to change lives every day, and our mission to grow The National Lottery responsibly and champion its impact. We are Allwyn UK, part of the Allwyn Entertainment Group – a multi-national lottery operator with a market-leading presence across the USA and Europe. While the main contribution of The National Lottery to society is through the funds to good causes, at Allwyn we put our purpose and values at the heart of everything we do. Join us as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, large-scale transformation journey by creating a National Lottery that delivers more money to good causes.
A bit about the role: Reporting to the Head of Finance Gaming Systems, this role is the senior Finance-led change and delivery position supporting the end-to-end Gaming Systems roadmap. The primary focus of the role is to support the Head of Finance Gaming Systems in managing prioritisation and delivery of system enhancements and change requests across the SG gaming landscape, with particular emphasis on the digital back-end, digital player payments and system-enabled journeys that reduce friction for digital players.
The role combines senior oversight of digital finance gaming system execution with enterprise-level finance change leadership, governing how Finance requirements are shaped, prioritised and delivered across SGPAM, ReconNet and digital payment providers. Acting as a key bridge between Finance, Technology, Product and Operations, the role ensures that innovation and pace of change are balanced with strong financial control, accounting integrity and operational readiness.
Team/Department Description: The Finance department ensures the business is financially sound, has robust accounting and reporting processes, and delivers financial targets including profitability and returns to Good Causes. The Finance Gaming Systems team oversees the regulatory adherence to the reporting and financial monitoring requirements of Licence Condition 16, Trust Deed and Regulatory Handbook. The team supports colleagues across the Finance function, ensuring the core gaming systems are consistently maintained and developed.
What you’ll be doing:
- Act as the senior Finance lead supporting the Head of Finance Gaming Systems in delivery of the end-to-end Gaming Systems change roadmap.
- Own Finance leadership of SGPAM, including player lifecycle design, settlement models, exception handling and assurance of financial outcomes.
- Lead the design, governance and delivery of enhanced digital payment methodologies, focusing on removing friction from the player journey.
- Act as the key finance representative for the Finance-related change request lifecycle across SG systems.
- Ensure financial, accounting, control and business-readiness impacts of system change are fully assessed and embedded into solution design.
- Support senior stakeholder management across Finance, Technology, Product, Operations and external suppliers.
- Provide senior Finance Systems leadership for payment service integrations and operations.
- Lead Finance engagement for system releases, upgrades and enhancements.
- Maintain oversight of risks, dependencies and control impacts arising from concurrent change activity across multiple platforms.
- Fulfil a senior Finance Systems Accountant remit, ensuring reconciliation, accounting integrity, balance sheet assurance and audit readiness.
- Manage stakeholder expectations while ensuring systems and processes remain efficient, effective, and aligned with operational objectives.
- Support Finance teams to ensure accurate, value adding retailer reporting is delivered and maintained within BI platforms.
- Support internal/external audit with evidence, control documentation, and walkthroughs.
- Document and prioritise Finance system enhancements and fixes.
- Liaise between Finance and Technology for requirements, testing, deployment.
- Lead UAT cycles and validate new features.
- Manage defects using tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps and ensure timely resolution.
- Ensure adherence to SDLC and Agile delivery practices.
- Develop dashboards, KPIs, and reporting models using BI platform.
- Contribute to assessment of new technologies and system capabilities.
What experience we’re looking for:
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified, or equivalent senior experience in Finance Systems and change leadership roles.
- Extensive experience delivering Finance-led technology change within complex, regulated or high-volume transaction environments.
- Strong understanding of gaming systems, payment execution, claims processing and end-to-end financial data flows.
- Proven ability to lead through influence, governance and stakeholder management.
- Experience working with multi-platform estates and third-party providers.
- Ability to translate complex technical and delivery topics into clear financial, operational and risk-based insights for senior stakeholders.
About us: At Allwyn, we are dedicated to changing lives and growing the National Lottery responsibly, championing its positive impact on people, places, and the planet. We pride ourselves on innovation and are constantly looking for new ways to excite our customers. Our aim is to have doubled the funds generated for charities and good causes by the end of the first 10-year license. We aim to become a net zero national lottery by 2030 and have already transitioned to renewable energy providers. We believe in creating a culture where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
Benefits:
- Company Bonus Scheme
- Matched pension contributions up to 8.5%
- 26 days annual leave + 2 Life Days (and bank holidays)
- Single Private Health Cover
- Complimentary Private Medical
- Income Protection
- Flexible Benefits
- Enhanced Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoption)
- Wellness Allowance £500
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted Health Assessments
- Volunteering Days
- Matched Funding
We are a Disability Confident Leader which means we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure our workplace is accessible and inclusive for disabled and neurodivergent colleagues and candidates.
Finance Systems Manager in Watford employer: Allwyn Entertainment
Allwyn UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to changing lives through the National Lottery, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. With generous benefits such as a company bonus scheme, matched pension contributions, and a wellness allowance, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a dynamic environment, Allwyn fosters growth opportunities and champions a diverse workforce, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Systems Manager in Watford
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Allwyn Entertainment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Systems Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Allwyn Entertainment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Allwyn Entertainment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allwyn Entertainment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Allwyn Entertainment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Allwyn Entertainment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Allwyn Entertainment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
