Senior Systems Manager

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in a software, technology, finance or business related field
• Strong knowledge of financial principles, accounting practices, and budgeting
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to receive, understand and convey ideas and information clearly and accurately which may at times be complex, highly detailed, technical or specialist, both in written and verbal form
• Advanced level of IT skills (D365, Microsoft Office, Power BI), and understanding of financial systems and controls
• Excellent working knowledge of D365 is essential
• Experience of transforming finance related processes is essential
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams
• Demonstrable ability to navigate through uncertainty and provide solutions when working through ambiguity

What the job involves

• We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Senior Finance Systems Manager to lead the evolution, optimisation and automation of our financial processes and reporting based on a core implementation of Microsoft D365 Finance & Operations
• This role requires technical expertise in D365 and a deep understanding of financial processes
• The successful individual will ensure that finance system is aligned with business needs, and the company is making full use of the systems capability
• They will also ensure that all staff in the wider finance community are adequately trained in the system, that a knowledge base is maintained and make recommendations for upgrades and improvements working closely with the company’s global IT team
• To be successful in the role you will be an experienced finance systems professional, with robust technical skills and analytical mind-set
• You will have a high degree of self-motivation, a proactive approach with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with clear focus on service to the wider business and continuous improvement
• Contribute to a roadmap of development for Side’s use of D365
• Work to ensure all Side entities are successfully using D365
• Evaluate current processes to identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate with the wider finance team and IT colleagues to design and implement system enhancements or new functionalities
• Work to remove previous customisations of the system and ensure that Side can take advantage of the regular systems upgrades provided by Microsoft
• Ensure D365 meets compliance, reporting, and operational needs
• Act as a liaison between finance, IT, vendors, and other departments to ensure seamless communication and alignment
• Take responsibility for the operation of the core financial modules of the D365 system and to ensure that key validations and reconciliations are complete on a timely basis (e.g. period cut off)
• Lead on the review and update of key financial business processes, identify areas of weakness or inefficiency, recommend, and subsequently implement resolutions
• Play a key role in the identification, development, planning and implementation of system improvements and enhancements that will transform the current ways of working
• Take responsibility for the co-ordination of testing, validation and sign off in relation to the upgrade of financial modules of D365
• Constantly review, maintain and update relevant master data to ensure the continued integrity of the general ledger and associated interfaces, including user authorisations and approval hierarchies
• Provide a key interface between Finance and IT in respect of financial systems functionality, performance, planned downtime and future developments in relation to finance processes
• Support the development of financial / non financial reports to enable more accurate analysis of data across the whole business
• Manage change requests and ensure minimal disruption to business operations during transitions
• Develop training programs for end-users to ensure smooth adoption of new functionality in the finance system and ensure new joiners understand how to use the system
• Create and maintain detailed project documentation, including timelines, system requirements, workflows, and user guides
• Drive finance processes automation and the alignment between external and internal reporting requirements
• Assist with the framework to develop and maintain robust controls and workflows to ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance
• Provide the linkage to systems expertise to ensure timely and accurate production of statutory, regulatory, and management reports
• Support the automation and improvement of finance processes, reducing manual interventions and enhancing reporting efficiency
• Maintain documentation of data flow configurations, processes, and key controls to support audits and compliance checks
• Maintain Finance Architecture roadmap, keeping up with product updates