Systems Accountant

As the Council's strategic lead for financial systems, you will be responsible for defining and delivering the business outcomes supported by the Council's key financial applications and associated reporting tools.

You will maintain oversight of the wider financial systems architecture, ensuring the integrity of financial data across multiple systems and interfaces.

You will work collaboratively across directorates to strengthen financial management, improve reporting capability and ensure that systems support effective governance, risk management and accountability.

The role combines technical financial expertise with strategic leadership, helping the Council to modernise processes, automate workflows and maximise the value of its financial systems investment.

You will also lead the development of financial reporting and dashboards, drive system enhancements, oversee testing and implementation of upgrades and ensure new systems and processes contain appropriate financial controls.

This role offers the opportunity to influence significant transformation programmes while helping to build a modern, data-driven finance function for the future.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a technically strong and innovative finance professional who can combine accounting expertise with a passion for systems, data and transformation.

Essential Requirements

• Fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and month-end and year-end financial processes.
• Experience in the implementation, development or enhancement of financial systems, including process design, testing and deployment.
• Experience of working with both finance professionals and technical specialists to translate business requirements into system solutions.
• Demonstrable experience of data analysis, reconciliations and resolving data integrity and systems issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience of leading change, continuous improvement initiatives and system optimisation projects.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of working within local government or another complex public sector environment.
• Knowledge and experience of Oracle Fusion, Oracle Planning and Budgeting Cloud Service (PBCS) and Civica Income Management.
• Experience developing financial dashboards, management information and business intelligence reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Council's strategic lead for financial systems, defining business outcomes and reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement the Council's financial systems strategy, ensuring systems support effective financial management and decision-making.
• Maintain oversight of financial systems architecture, interfaces and data flows, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Lead the development of financial reporting, dashboards and analytics to support financial planning, statutory reporting and corporate decision-making.
• Design, test and implement effective financial controls within systems and business processes.
• Work closely with service departments, ICT and transformation teams to ensure systems align with organisational priorities and future service delivery requirements.
• Lead user acceptance testing and sign-off procedures for financial system changes and upgrades.
• Manage system development backlogs and prioritise enhancements that deliver the greatest organisational value.
• Ensure financial data structures, coding hierarchies and chart of accounts arrangements remain accurate and fit for purpose.
• Lead programmes to improve data quality, resolve system issues and strengthen reporting capability.
• Support year-end accounts production, external audit requirements and statutory returns.
• Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve efficiency and modernise financial operations.
• Coach and support finance colleagues in the effective use of financial systems and reporting tools.
• Play a leading role in developing a modern, data-driven and digitally enabled finance function.

Benefits

• A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional leave
• Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support programme
• The opportunity to influence major transformation initiatives and help shape the future of financial management across the Council.
• A visible and impactful role working with senior leaders across finance, digital and transformation services.