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- Tasks: Lead the finance function, manage reporting, and drive efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Company: SYSTRA UK & Ireland designs innovative transport solutions for over 50 million people daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, travel opportunities, and be part of a growing global team.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile role that influences infrastructure design and promotes sustainability.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with extensive financial management experience.
- Other info: This is a 9-month fixed-term contract based in Manchester with some travel to York.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Finance FTC role at SYSTRA UK & Ireland. Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day. For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland, we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.
We currently have an opportunity for a qualified and highly experienced finance professional to join our busy UK & Ireland finance team as Head of Finance on a 9 month fixed term contract. The opportunity is based in Manchester and benefits from our hybrid working model, but will also cover staff based in York as well with some travel there expected. The Head of Finance owns the SYSTRA UK & Ireland finance function and will work closely with the CFO and the Divisional Finance Directors for Engineering & Consultancy. This is a high profile role and will have significant interaction with the SYSTRA UK & Ireland Board, and SYSTRA Group, whilst driving forward consistency across 3 business areas in conjunction with global business directives.
Missions/Main Duties:
- The Head of Finance will have full ownership of the financial management of the SYSTRA UK&I reporting including:
- Full suite of technical accountancy
- Leverage the benefits of an already implemented ERP system (IFS) in order to drive efficiency through the organisation and provide accurate and timely monthly management reporting
- Simplification of the process within the ERP to reduce administration for fee earning individuals and non-fee earners accordingly
- Organisation and management of the month end process
- Management of and liaison with the internal and external audit functions and production of the statutory accounts
- Supporting the governance requirements in accordance with the Group policies & procedures
- Management of foreign exchange
- Management of branches (with the reporting)
- Group liaison for regular Group activities such as intercompany reconciliation
- Liaison with Group and external advisors for tax and treasury purposes and development
- Support, development and management of the SYSTRA Finance team business unit
- Management of the control environment within SYSTRA UK
- Consistency of process
- Recording of financial process
- Drive compliance with the Group governance requirements in accordance with the Group policies & procedures
- Implementation of improved tax & treasury processes within SYSTRA UK&I liaising with the Group functions and the external advisors as required
- Provision of statutory accounts, and regulatory compliance
- Ownership of the SYSTRA UK Overheads
- Monthly reporting to the functional leads
- Forecasting and management of cost saving
Profile/Skills:
- Extensive Financial Management experience from a large complex organisation, ideally within the Engineering or Construction industries and preferably design consultancy focussed
- Strong technical accountant with previous experience in industry in a project driven environment
- Experience of using and developing the functionality of ERP systems
- Financial management of large, international projects
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with significant experience working at a senior business partner level
- Significant forecasting, reporting, budgeting and project accounting experience
- A tenacious, resilient, self-starting problem solver who is keen to drive change and process improvement
- People and relationship management skills with the understanding of a client relationship driven organisation
- French language skills desirable but not essential
Head of Finance FTC employer: SYSTRA UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
SYSTRA UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or leaders from SYSTRA. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the IFS ERP system, as it's mentioned in the job description. If you have experience with similar systems, be prepared to discuss how you can leverage technology to improve financial processes during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Research SYSTRA's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to sustainability and innovation in transport infrastructure. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills and experience in managing finance teams. Think of specific examples where you've driven change or improved processes, as this aligns with the expectations for the Head of Finance role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive financial management experience, particularly in large, complex organisations. Emphasise any relevant experience in the engineering or construction industries, as well as your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Head of Finance position, particularly your experience with ERP systems and financial management of international projects.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Highlight specific examples from your past roles where you have driven change and process improvement. This is crucial for a role that requires a tenacious and resilient problem solver.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to financial governance, compliance, and your experience with audits. Be ready to discuss how you would manage the finance function at SYSTRA UK & Ireland and improve existing processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at SYSTRA UK & Ireland
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate extensive financial management experience. Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in large, complex organisations, particularly within the engineering or construction sectors. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed finances and drove process improvements.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since the role involves leveraging an ERP system (IFS), it's crucial to show your understanding of how such systems can enhance efficiency. Discuss any experience you have in using or developing ERP functionalities, and be ready to suggest ways you could improve processes at SYSTRA.
✨Prepare for High-Level Interactions
This position requires significant interaction with the SYSTRA UK & Ireland Board and other senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as well as how you would manage relationships with both internal teams and external partners, especially in a client-driven environment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
The ideal candidate is described as a tenacious, resilient problem solver. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've identified issues and implemented effective solutions. This will showcase your ability to drive change and improve processes within the finance function.
