At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance technology platforms and ensure alignment with financial processes.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension fund management with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, health perks, and volunteering opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on finance systems while shaping the future of finance technology.
- Qualifications: Experience with complex tech architecture and project delivery in finance systems.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join our Finance Development team as a Senior Finance Manager – Systems and Data on a fixed term basis (12 months) based in our Darlington office (hybrid working).
Who we are
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
The role
The Senior Finance Manager plays a critical leadership role within the Finance Development function, taking end-to-end accountability for the day-to-day management, development, and optimisation of all finance technology platforms outside of Workday. Working closely with the Head of Finance Development and the Workday Functional Team, this role is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and strategic alignment of non-Workday systems with the organisation’s financial processes and goals. In addition, this role serves as the finance systems lead for organisation-level change initiatives, ensuring that finance requirements are embedded in cross-functional transformation programmes and that finance system integrity is maintained throughout change cycles.
The person
The successful candidate will have experience of working with a complex technology architecture, comprising of in-house built applications and off the shelf packages. You will have previously established frameworks, processes and appropriate controls, for understanding and enabling the continuous improvement and management of systems. Experience of using Financial packages including accounting software and payment systems would be advantageous, but not essential. Knowledge of working with Microsoft technology stack and Workday would also be beneficial. We are looking for someone who can take ownership and build excellent relationships with key suppliers. You will have significant experience of project delivery, as a key part of the role will be the Finance Technical Lead on the upgrade/migrations of Finance systems and databases, as well as leading on changes to Finance systems needed to support wider business change. As well as getting involved in the detail, you will play a very important role in the development of the strategic Finance technology roadmap - ensuring short-term decisions are being made with the longer-term requirements for the Finance function in mind, partnering closely with Finance leaders, as well as Technology and Change teams. Excellent communication skills are key for this role as you will required to present recommendations and solutions to Senior business leaders. Experience of coaching and motivating a high-performing team is also very important.
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Defined Contribution pension
Health & Wellbeing
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
Lifestyle
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
Please apply for the apply button or visit by 5pm on 10th April 2026.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Senior Finance Manager - Systems & Data employer: Railpen Limited
Contact Detail:
Railpen Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager - Systems & Data
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and tech sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral. Don’t be shy; we all love a good natter!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and have some thoughtful queries ready for them too!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you’ve made an impact, especially in finance systems and data management. We love hearing about your successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Railpen. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager - Systems & Data
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with finance technology platforms and any relevant project delivery you've been involved in. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with complex technology architectures and your ability to build relationships.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with senior leaders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen Limited
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technology stack mentioned in the job description, especially Microsoft technologies and any finance systems you've worked with. Be ready to discuss how you've optimised or managed these systems in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've coached high-performing teams or led successful project deliveries, particularly in finance system upgrades or migrations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts on complex financial processes and technology in a way that’s easy to understand. Think about how you would present recommendations to senior leaders and be prepared for questions.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Railpen's values and culture before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of serving members and positively impacting communities.