Systems Accountant

We are looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Systems Accountant to join our Finance Team located at our Head Office in Islington. £50,000 - £60,000 per annum depending on experience, working 35 hours per week. Want to feel in control of your career? You will feel at home here. Making you feel at home means helping you thrive in every way. That is why we offer a wide range of benefits, award‑winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren’t token gestures – we have thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24‑7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension – we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship. We are currently implementing Unit 4 ERP which is due to go live on 1st April 2026. We are seeking a proactive and technically adept Systems Accountant to support in the final stages of implementation and take over the ongoing system admin role post go live. This pivotal role bridges finance and IT, ensuring seamless integration, data integrity, and enhanced financial reporting capabilities.

What you will do:

• ERP Implementation & Project Support: Support the Project Team in the implementation of Unit4 ERP modules tailored to housing association needs. Assist in data migration activities, ensuring accurate and efficient transfer of financial data.
• System Administration & Support: Act as the primary point of contact for all Unit4 ERP related queries and issues. Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement necessary updates or patches. Maintain and update system documentation, including user guides and procedural manuals.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Develop and maintain financial reports and dashboards within Unit4 ERP to support decision‑making. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies through system controls. Collaborate with finance teams to streamline processes and enhance reporting accuracy.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

About you:

• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.

What you will bring:

• Proven experience in managing and supporting Unit4 ERP systems, preferably in the housing or public sector.
• Part Qualified Accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and processes.
• Experience in data migration, system testing, and user training.

About us: Look Ahead is a leading, not‑for‑profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co‑design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. We have a strong social purpose, and we live and work by our values: We focus on Excellence and innovation. We are Caring and Compassionate. We are Inclusive and Trusted. We work in Partnership and are One-Team.