Senior Finance Manager - ERP Transformation & Financial Accounting

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large, complex public sector finance environment at a pivotal point in a major transformation programme. The organisation is delivering a large-scale ERP implementation that will fundamentally reshape finance processes across multiple government departments. The system will support over 250,000 users across several central government organisations and represents one of the most significant finance system transformations currently underway in the UK public sector. Alongside this transformation, the Compliance and Financial Accounting function continues to deliver critical financial reporting, accounting and control activities across a wide and complex group structure. These roles sit at the intersection of business‑as‑usual delivery and major system change, requiring strong technical finance expertise, stakeholder engagement and the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving programme environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting or leading key phases of ERP implementation, including:
• Local design and process refinement
• System build and configuration support
• System integration testing (end‑to‑end process validation)
• User acceptance testing and engagement with business users
• Cutover planning, readiness and transition activities
• Attending cross‑government meetings to represent finance requirements and ensure alignment
• Working with multiple departments to align financial processes, controls and accounting policies
• Reviewing documentation and providing clear, constructive input
• Supporting training delivery and development of user guidance materials
• Contributing to risk identification, issue resolution and continuous improvement
• Supporting wider finance operations alongside transformation activity
• Providing line management support where applicable

Role‑Specific Focus Areas

• Inventory Process Owner
• Management of inventory processes within a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting principles
• Experience supporting or delivering ERP‑related change
• Ability to operate independently and establish credibility quickly
• Tax (Business‑as‑Usual Focus)
• Delivery of core tax operations including VAT compliance and reporting
• Knowledge of government VAT rules including contracted‑out services
• Understanding of taxable benefits, IR35 and tax advisory support
• Maintaining BAU stability while supporting ERP design input and readiness
• Group Accounts / Consolidation Tool
• Strong technical accounting experience in group consolidation and reporting
• Experience with consolidation tools in complex organisations
• Input into ERP design relating to financial reporting structures and processes
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced programme environment

About You

You will be a qualified finance professional with experience in complex, matrix or regulated environments. You will bring:

• Strong experience with Oracle or similar ERP and finance systems
• Proven ability to deliver within tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience of managing or contributing to complex projects or change programmes
• Ability to lead, support and motivate others across dispersed teams
• Strong understanding of public sector or government finance (desirable)

Additional Information

This is a home‑based role with ad hoc travel for meetings and workshops. Candidates must be available to work within Inside IR35 arrangements. Umbrella engagement must be via approved providers only.