Financial Systems & Automation Specialist

We are looking to employ a Financial Systems Accountant to be based in the Manchester or Birkenhead Office on a full-time basis. We offer hybrid working with 2-3 days per week in the office. The Finance Systems Team is responsible for leading and optimising the finance systems landscape and expense close process. This role ensures accurate, efficient, and well-controlled financial reporting and processes through system enhancements, process standardisation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Finance system maintenance, business process improvement, development, and training (Global Template modules AP/AR, Cost Controlling and FI, FI-AA, Concur, Coupa, GRIPA): Understand and troubleshoot ERP system issues and data issues.
• Hands-on experience with SAP, Coupa, Business Objects, Concur, Power Query, Power Automate and Power BI. Analyse and improve financial processes to increase efficiency and accuracy using automation tools available.
• Exploring system capabilities to increase quality and efficiency of existing processes.
• Implement and manage system-based data quality checks and controls to ensure data consistency.
• Map out business end-to-end processes and identify efficiencies.
• Identify system functionality bugs and raise change requests as needed.
• Recommend and implement standardisation and automation of processes within the financial system framework.
• Provide system training for users.
• Finance expense close process and Master data maintenance.
• Plan and complete quarter-end and year-end close process activities within strict deadlines with accuracy and diligent controls, retaining overall oversight.
• Maintain cost data quality, including cost centre structures & allocations, and manage all expense systems to ensure changes match the pace of the business.
• Manage the accruals/prepayment & recharging process ensuring all costs are accurately recorded & reconciled for the applicable entities as well as support the relevant GL accounts.
• Be aware and knowledgeable of key assumptions & decisions inherent in the expense process.

General Responsibilities

• Document all processes effectively using standard templates, detailing areas of financial judgement.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards (i.e IFRS / FRS 102) and internal controls.
• Engage stakeholders across Finance and various internal teams to ensure inputs and outputs are delivered in a timely manner, and manage any changes and issues.
• Critically appraise all processes and assumptions on an ongoing basis with a continual improvement outlook and proactively engage with relevant stakeholders to improve where opportunity exists.
• Collaborate with various business units to integrate Concur, Coupa, and other operational systems seamlessly.
• Communicate project progress and deliverables to stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills

• Able to effectively interact with senior stakeholders in the business.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards (i.e. IFRS and FRS treatment).
• Experience of ERP systems (i.e SAP, Oracle).
• Ability to use consolidation and data reporting tools (i.e. Data warehouse, Power BI).
• Understanding of Financial control and BAU operational processes.
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills.

Education and Professional Qualifications Preferred

• Qualified or part qualified accountant – ACCA/CIMA.
• University degree or equivalent.

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave + bank holidays.
• 10% Non-contributory Pension.
• Eligibility for an Annual Bonus.
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance.
• Critical illness insurance, Life Assurance & Permanent Health Insurance.
• Well-being and Development Scheme, EAP & Health Assessments (subject to scheme eligibility).
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Study & continuing Professional Development Support.