At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and optimise finance systems, focusing on automation and process improvement.
- Company: Join NatCen, the UK's largest independent social research organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving finance operations in a values-led organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL skills and understanding of finance systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 54000 £ per year.
NatCen is looking for a Systems Accountant to support the maintenance, development and optimisation of its finance systems, ensuring they remain accurate, reliable and fit for purpose. This is a hands-on systems role sitting at the intersection of Finance, IT and operational users, with responsibility for finance systems support, process improvement, automation and reporting development. A major focus of the role is ownership of the purchase order system and its workflows, together with SQL-based automation and finance systems improvement.
The successful person will be comfortable working in the backend of finance systems, troubleshooting issues, maintaining documentation, supporting users and identifying ways to reduce manual effort through system enhancement and automation. This is not a pure management accounting role. It is best suited to someone who combines finance systems understanding with strong SQL capability, logic, attention to detail and a practical approach to solving problems. Experience of finance or ERP systems, reporting, controls and process improvement will be important, and exposure to project-based or commercial environments may help someone get up to speed more quickly.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the maintenance, administration and continuous improvement of NatCen’s finance systems so they remain accurate, reliable and useful to the business.
- Act as a key point of contact for finance systems queries, supporting both finance and non-finance users and helping resolve issues in a timely, practical way.
- Own and manage the purchase order system, including workflows, approval hierarchies, controls and improvements linked to finance policy and process efficiency.
- Design, develop and maintain SQL stored procedures, views and scripts to automate financial processes including month-end, data extraction, uploads and reconciliations.
- Support stronger reporting, reconciliations, analysis and data integrity through effective use of finance systems and backend data.
- Work closely with Finance, IT and wider stakeholders on system upgrades, enhancements, testing, process improvement and future automation opportunities.
- Strong MS SQL experience, including stored procedures, query optimisation and data transformation.
- Good understanding of accounting principles, financial processes, controls and reporting requirements, especially around general ledger, purchase orders and month-end close.
- Experience supporting, maintaining, implementing or upgrading finance or ERP systems.
- Strong systems mindset, with logic, attention to detail and confidence working with system data and backend workflows.
- Ability to investigate issues, improve processes and deliver practical automation that reduces manual effort and improves reporting quality.
- Comfort working across Finance, IT and wider business stakeholders, with clear communication and a service-oriented approach.
This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of finance systems improvement in a values-led organisation, with real scope to strengthen controls, streamline finance operations and improve how finance data is used across the business. It will suit someone who enjoys problem solving, systems thinking and making processes work better.
Right to work in the UK: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. We welcome applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role and do not require sponsorship.
Benefits- 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years
- Flexible working
- Generous pension scheme
- Life insurance and health cash plan
- Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
- Career development and professional development support
At the National Centre for Social Research, we believe social research has the power to make life better. By understanding people’s lives and views in depth, we help ensure the public has a powerful voice in shaping services and policy. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we focus on high-quality research that works for society.
We are proud to say we are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process please make us aware and we will endeavour to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Systems Accountant in London employer: National Centre for Social Research
At NatCen, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation that champions social research to improve lives. As a Systems Accountant, you'll enjoy a flexible hybrid working environment in London, with generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and ample opportunities for career development. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive culture that values curiosity, integrity, and purpose.
Contact Details:
National Centre for Social Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Accountant in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Systems Accountant in London
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