Finance Process Improvement Lead in Bedford

Finance Change Projects Lead

Working pattern: Hybrid

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Are you a hands-on change professional who enjoys turning complex processes into smarter, more efficient ways of working?

We are recruiting for an experienced Finance Change Projects Lead to join a University on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a portfolio of finance improvement initiatives, driving meaningful change across processes, systems and technology.

This is not simply a role focused on identifying improvements or producing recommendations. Our client is looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves, challenge existing ways of working and deliver practical solutions that make a real difference.

The Role

Working closely with Finance teams and wider stakeholders, you will lead a prioritised programme of process improvement, systems enhancement and automation projects.

Your focus will be on simplifying processes, reducing manual activity, improving controls and identifying opportunities to make better use of existing technology, digital tools and AI.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading finance change initiatives from initial analysis and process mapping through to implementation and handover.
• Reviewing end-to-end finance processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Designing and implementing streamlined processes with clear ownership, controls and responsibilities.
• Identifying opportunities to introduce automation, AI and digital solutions to reduce manual tasks and improve efficiency.
• Using tools such as Excel, Power BI and Microsoft 365 to develop practical improvements.
• Collaborating with IT, Finance Systems and operational teams to deliver systems and process enhancements.
• Managing multiple projects, balancing priorities and tracking progress, dependencies and measurable benefits.
• Engaging stakeholders at all levels to ensure changes are understood, adopted and embedded successfully.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and delivery-focused professional who combines strong business analysis capabilities with practical project management and process improvement experience.

You will ideally bring:

• Proven experience delivering business process improvement, finance transformation or change projects.
• Strong business analysis, process mapping and process redesign skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with data to develop practical solutions.
• Experience implementing process automation and using digital technology to improve efficiency.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience translating business requirements into technical or system solutions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to constructively challenge established processes.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach and a track record of taking projects through to successful implementation.

Experience working within a University, finance function or similarly complex organisation would be advantageous. Knowledge of Unit4 ERP (Agresso), Power BI, VBA or AI-driven workflow automation would also be beneficial.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to take on a visible, delivery-focused role within a University where you can make a tangible impact. You will have the chance to influence how a busy Finance function operates, introduce smarter ways of working and deliver improvements that provide lasting value.

If you are passionate about process improvement, enjoy solving problems and thrive on seeing change through from concept to completion, we would love to hear from you.

For further information or a confidential conversation about the opportunity, please contact Briar at MLC Partners.