Senior Finance Systems Manager (Microsoft Dynamics NAV) in Bedford

We are seeking an experienced Senior Finance Systems Manager with deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) to own, develop and optimise our finance systems landscape. This is a senior management role that combines hands-on ERP expertise with people leadership, sitting at the intersection of finance operations and technology.

The successful candidate will manage a small team of Navision specialists based in our Shared Services Centre (SSC) in India, acting as the primary subject-matter expert for Navision globally, partnering with Finance, IT and senior stakeholders to drive system enhancements, underpin the data and reporting strategy, and support the broader finance transformation agenda.

Key Accountabilities:

• Serve as the global owner and subject-matter expert for Microsoft Dynamics NAV / Navision across all finance modules (GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Cash Management, Costing).
• Maintain system integrity, chart of accounts structure, and master data governance within Navision.
• Define and enforce finance system policies, controls and access management protocols.
• Manage period-end close processes within NAV, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead, manage and develop a small team of Navision specialists within the Shared Services Centre in India, setting clear objectives, priorities and performance standards.
• Provide day-to-day technical direction and quality oversight to the SSC team, ensuring consistent and accurate delivery of finance systems support across the organisation.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex NAV issues raised by the SSC team, providing expert guidance and resolution.
• Identify skills gaps and drive upskilling and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the team.
• Support the data reporting workstream by providing insights into Navision reporting, including through automated and reliable data extracts.
• Identify and implement improvements to financial reporting processes, reducing manual effort and increasing data confidence.
• Partner with the FP&A team to ensure NAV data underpins robust finance workflows.
• Lead the specification, testing and deployment of system enhancements, upgrades and new NAV modules.
• Manage relationships with third-party NAV implementation partners and Microsoft support channels.
• Drive the evaluation and roadmap for migration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central where relevant.
• Support integration development between NAV and adjacent platforms (e.g. CRM, BI tools).

Knowledge & Experience:

• Minimum 5–7 years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV / Navision in a finance-facing role, with at least 2 years in a management or team lead capacity.
• Proven experience managing offshore or shared services teams, ideally in an SSC or captive centre environment.
• Strong understanding of core finance processes: general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, bank reconciliation and period-end close.
• Proven ability to configure and develop NAV, including dimensions, posting groups, workflows and report layouts.
• Experience in managing system upgrades, patches and version migrations.
• Track record of translating finance requirements into system solutions and delivering improvements.
• Demonstrable experience producing management information and supporting board-level reporting.
• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) preferred but not essential.
• Microsoft Dynamics certification(s) desirable.
• Degree-level education in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems or a related discipline.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential. Additional languages are advantageous.