Financial Systems Manager

Vertex Associates are very excited to be partnering with an international architecture business based in SW London. They are looking for a Group Finance Systems Manager to join their team on a permanent basis. This is a hybrid role with 3 days a week in the office. This is a specialised role that combines accounting expertise with a strong understanding of information technology and systems. This team member will play a critical role in ensuring that financial systems and processes are efficient, accurate, and aligned with strategic goals.

The Group Finance Systems Manager is responsible for managing and optimising global financial systems, software, and processes and contributes to the development of the Finance strategy. This role involves collaborating with finance and IT teams to ensure that financial data is accurate, secure, and efficiently processed. The Group Finance Systems Manager will also play a key role in implementing and maintaining accounting software and tools, working closely with senior stakeholders to influence system strategy.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• Lead the administration and oversight of all financial systems, including ERP platforms, accounting software, and related tools.
• Maintain data integrity and accuracy across systems, ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards.
• Lead user acceptance testing of fixes and new features.
• Monitor system performance, proactively troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to minimize downtime.
• Partner with IT to manage system maintenance, upgrades, and infrastructure requirements.
• Identify and deliver process improvements within finance and accounting workflows.
• Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual tasks and enhance efficiency.
• Establish and enforce best practices for system usage and financial data management.
• Explain difficult or sensitive information to senior stakeholders.
• Build consensus on challenging topics.
• Oversee the development of accurate, timely financial reports aligned with IFRS, GAAP, and regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement custom dashboards and reporting suites for senior management and operational teams.
• Support preparation of financial statements and disclosures.
• Collaborate with IT to implement robust security protocols safeguarding financial data.
• Ensure adherence to compliance standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Act as a key liaison during internal and external audits.
• Deliver training programs and create user documentation to maximize system adoption and effectiveness.
• Provide ongoing support and resolve user queries promptly.
• Lead evaluation and selection of financial systems and tools.
• Plan and manage system upgrades and integrations with other business platforms.
• Serve as a core member of the ERP implementation team for the transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Analyze existing systems (Cygnum and Access Dimensions) and define requirements for the new platform.
• Configure test environments to meet reporting and operational needs.
• Oversee data migration and validation processes.
• Collaborate with Information Systems to develop real-time reporting portals.
• Design and deliver reporting suites for key stakeholders, including senior management and project teams.
• Conduct system testing, develop training materials, and lead user training sessions.
• Interpret internal/external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes or services.
• Lead Finance Systems initiative to mitigate risk in consideration of applicable complexity.
• Lead others to solve complex problems; use sophisticated analytical thought to exercise judgement and identify innovative solutions.
• Impact and deliver value across a range of financial systems, software and processes within Accounts and other related Practice areas.

Requirements:

• A recognised professional UK accountancy qualification.
• Proven track record in leading ERP projects (Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred), including system configuration, data migration, testing, and go-live support.
• Prior experience leading project teams to achieve milestones and objectives.
• Technical expert with in-depth and breadth of expertise in finance and accounting principles and processes.
• Hands-on experience managing accounting software, ERP platforms, and related financial tools.
• Demonstrated ability to streamline workflows, implement automation, and optimize finance processes.
• Experience developing custom reports and dashboards, ensuring compliance with IFRS, GAAP, and regulatory standards.
• Skilled in implementing security measures and supporting internal/external audits.
• Ability to create training materials, deliver user training, and drive system adoption across teams.
• Experience working with Finance, IT, and business stakeholders to deliver strategic system initiatives.
• Proven superior analytical/problem solving capabilities with large and diverse data sets, providing substantive and effective reports and reviews.
• Experience communicating complex ideas, anticipate potential objections, and gain consensus from senior stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Project management skills for overseeing system implementations and upgrades.
• Knowledge of data security and compliance requirements.
• Able to demonstrate ability to undertake the above responsibilities.
• Good IT skills including advanced Excel.
• Methodical, accurate and consistent attention to detail.
• Able to manage sensitive and sometimes confidential information.
• Able to build good relationships at all levels, internally and externally.
• Resilient to cope with conflicting demands, able to prioritise duties and work effectively under pressure.