At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation projects and bridge the gap between Finance and Technology.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company driving major finance transformations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance and make a real difference in operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance processes and stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Finance Transformation Subject Matter Expert - Accounting & Finance Management
This is not a BAU finance role.
We’re looking for an experienced finance professional who wants to get properly stuck into a major transformation programme and help shape what the future finance function looks like.
You’ll join the Accounting & Finance Management workstream as part of a large-scale SAP S/4HANA implementation, acting as the bridge between Finance, Technology and the wider transformation team.
Your job is simple in principle: understand how Finance operates today, challenge where it can operate better and help translate those requirements into processes and systems that actually work.
You’ll be involved across the full transformation lifecycle, from requirements gathering and process design through testing, data migration, go-live and optimisation.
This is a genuine opportunity to move beyond reporting the numbers and play a key role in transforming how a finance function operates.
Responsibilities
- Act as the finance SME across the Accounting & Finance Management workstream, bringing strong technical and operational finance knowledge into the programme.
- Work closely with Finance, IT, project teams and implementation partners to understand, challenge and validate business requirements.
- Help translate finance requirements into the design and configuration of SAP S/4HANA, ensuring solutions are practical, scalable and aligned with best practice.
- Review existing month-end close, management reporting and financial planning processes, identifying opportunities to simplify, standardise and improve them.
- Play a key role across System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), ensuring new processes and functionality work as intended.
- Support data migration, validation and reconciliation, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial information throughout the implementation.
- Identify risks, issues, gaps and opportunities for improvement, working with the wider programme team to drive them through to resolution.
- Support the people side of transformation through change management, user training and adoption, helping Finance successfully transition into new ways of working.
- Support cutover planning, go-live and post-implementation optimisation, ensuring the transformation lands properly rather than simply reaching implementation.
- Build strong relationships across Finance and the wider business, becoming a trusted point of contact between operational stakeholders and the transformation programme.
What We’re Looking For
You understand how a finance function operates, you know what good looks like and you’re comfortable challenging processes that could be better.
You don’t need to be a SAP technical consultant.
You do need to understand Finance well enough to sit between the business and technical teams and make sure the right solution gets delivered.
Ideally, you’ll bring
- Experience working with SAP, ideally within a finance environment.
- Strong knowledge of month-end close, management accounting and financial reporting.
- Experience gathering, challenging and translating business requirements.
- A track record of improving finance processes and ways of working.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to work across Finance, Technology and project teams.
- The ability to take complex finance requirements and turn them into clear, practical solutions.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and process improvement capability.
- Previous exposure to finance transformation, ERP implementation or systems change would be highly advantageous.
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification would be beneficial, although strong equivalent experience will absolutely be considered.
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Finance Transformation Subject Matter Expert – Accounting & Finance Management in Manchester employer: Forge Talent
Join a dynamic and growing owner-managed services business that values innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Commercial Finance Manager, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and offers opportunities for professional growth. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters a sense of community and encourages a hands-on approach to finance, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Transformation Subject Matter Expert – Accounting & Finance Management in Manchester
✨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 Forge Talent. 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 Transformation Subject Matter Expert – Accounting & Finance Management in Manchester
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 Forge Talent.
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 Forge Talent'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 Forge Talent
✨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 Forge Talent.
✨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 Forge Talent 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 Forge Talent 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.
