Back Office Finance Platforms Lead

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day. Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead. At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves. We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.

Job Description:

Darktrace are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Workday Finance Lead to oversee the management and delivery functional and technical development, system integration and optimisation of Workday Finance functional areas across Procure-to-Pay (PTP), Order-to-Cash (OTC) and Record-to-Report (RTR). This role is critical in ensuring the system effectively supports our global Finance operations and strategic initiatives. This role can be based in our London or Cambridge offices on a 2x per week hybrid working model.

What will I be doing:

• Lead, manage, and develop the Finance Back Office Platform team, ensuring high performance and continuous capability growth.
• Ensure the successful delivery of Workday (WD)–related projects within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Oversee the Workday release management process, with a strong focus on regression testing and optimisation of new features, ensuring system stability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the timely and effective resolution of production service requests and incidents, maintaining high service standards.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with business functional leaders to support alignment and collaboration.
• Capture and define Workday Finance system requirements, ensuring alignment with the broader product and business roadmap.
• Partner with Finance stakeholders to optimise processes within Workday and maximise return on investment.
• Foster user engagement by ensuring training and support services meet business expectations, with a focus on user experience and adoption.
• Collaborate with IT on broader business initiatives, particularly those involving Workday Finance and related modules.
• Ensure Workday data is validated, controlled, and securely managed in line with business requirements, including identifying data owners and maintaining the highest standards of data quality.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure Workday reporting is accurate, reliable, and aligned to business needs.
• Collaborate with the Systems Operations team to document processes and workflows comprehensively.
• Review and continuously improve business processes in collaboration with all Workday stakeholders.
• Ensure system security through the implementation and regular testing of controls.
• Contribute actively as a member of the Workday leadership team and ensure cross functional Workday platform dependencies are managed working directly with the HCM and Tech leads.
• Deliver against defined operational, tactical, and strategic objectives.

What experience do I need:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience as a Workday Finance specialist or lead, with in-depth knowledge of multiple Workday functional areas and business domains (e.g., FDM, Financial Accounting, Business Assets, Procurement, Customer Accounts or Customer Contracts).
• Proven experience in Workday implementation, configuration, and support for a global organization.
• Strong understanding of Finance business processes and how they are supported by Workday.
• Proficiency in Workday reporting and analytics (e.g., custom reports, calculated fields, dashboards).
• Experience with Workday integrations (e.g., EIBs, Core Connectors, Workday Studio, BIRTS) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Workday certifications are a significant plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Benefits:

• 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service.
• Additional day off for your birthday.
• Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children.
• Life insurance of 4 times your base salary.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability. Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.

Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities! Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! Thanks for your interest in working on our team!