At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance change initiatives and implement new processes in a local government setting.
- Company: Local authority in the South East, focused on impactful finance transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hands-on experience, and opportunity to influence real change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on practical change implementation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local government finance while working closely with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government finance and strong stakeholder management skills.
A South East local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Business Change Lead to support a significant programme of change across its Finance function and wider organisation. This is a hands-on change role for someone who understands local government finance, financial processes and systems, and can work closely with senior stakeholders to embed new ways of working.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Lead for the project, you will take responsibility for supporting and delivering the people, process and operational change required to implement new ways of working following a new system implementation. You will need to be comfortable operating at a senior level while also being prepared to get into the detail, working directly with Finance and non-Finance colleagues to understand the impact of change and ensure it is successfully embedded.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading business change activity across Finance and the wider organisation supporting a new finance system implementation.
- Supporting the implementation of changes to finance processes, systems and ways of working.
- Developing and documenting process flows, operating procedures and change requirements.
- Working closely with Finance stakeholders to understand current processes and identify the impact of proposed changes.
- Communicating new processes and ways of working clearly to both Finance and non-Finance users.
- Influencing stakeholders at an operational level and building engagement with change.
- Undertaking training needs analysis and supporting the development and delivery of training.
- Setting up and coordinating training sessions and other change activities.
- Developing and documenting change policies and fundamental processes.
- Managing smaller or more subtle changes alongside the wider programme of activity.
- Working closely with project leads and senior Finance stakeholders to ensure change is effectively embedded.
- Providing practical, hands-on support rather than operating solely at a strategic or programme level.
Essential experience:
We are looking for someone with a strong local government finance background, rather than someone whose career has primarily been within IT transformation or traditional programme management. You will ideally have:
- Significant experience delivering business change within a Local Government Finance environment.
- A strong understanding of accounting and core Finance processes.
- Experience of AP, AR and wider Finance systems/process change.
- A background that could be aligned to a Finance Business Partner, Business Change or Finance Transformation role.
- Experience translating complex processes and changes into clear messages for Finance and non-Finance audiences.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge and engage senior stakeholders.
- Experience supporting the implementation of new ways of working and managing resistance to change.
- Strong process mapping, documentation and analytical skills.
- Experience of training needs analysis and supporting user training.
- The ability to work independently, be highly hands-on and quickly build credibility within a senior environment.
This is not a traditional Transformation Lead or PMO role. The successful candidate will need to be close to the detail, understand Finance operationally and be willing to roll up their sleeves and work directly with stakeholders to make change happen.
Finance Business Change Lead in London employer: Cedar Recruitment
Join a leading technology-based business that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise in indirect tax will be highly regarded. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge AI and automation tools. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to make a significant impact within a high-profile team known for its excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Change Lead in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Cedar Recruitment.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Cedar Recruitment might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Change Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Cedar Recruitment will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Cedar Recruitment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Cedar Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Cedar Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Cedar Recruitment that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
