Finance Systems Director – ERP & Strategy (Hybrid)

Cognita Schools; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognita Schools is seeking a Head of Finance Systems to own the technology powering Finance across the global group. You will set the roadmap for ERP, payments and planning, lead the team, and ensure secure, scalable platforms built around Finance needs.

You will translate Finance requirements into scalable solutions, drive major implementations, and manage vendor relationships. The role requires strategic vision with hands-on delivery and strong governance.

Qualifications

• Experience leading enterprise Finance systems or ERP in a complex, multi-entity organisation.
• A record of delivering major implementations, upgrades, integrations and continuous-improvement programmes.
• Strong people, stakeholder and vendor leadership, including senior Finance stakeholders.
• The ability to shape roadmaps, prioritise competing demand and turn Finance requirements into scalable solutions.
• Solid grounding in service management, change control and structured delivery.
• A degree or professional qualification in Finance, IT or Business (or equivalent experience), plus ongoing development in ERP, financial systems, product ownership or service management.

Responsibilities

• Own the lifecycle and performance of ERP, payments and planning systems, shaping the Finance technology roadmap.
• Translate Finance needs into clear requirements, investment cases and delivery plans across regions and legal entities.
• Lead major implementations, upgrades and improvements with governance, testing and adoption, maintaining a transparent backlog.
• Simplify and automate across Finance technology and processes.
• Set SLAs, support and release processes; ensure configuration, access and integrations meet security, audit and compliance standards.
• Manage strategic vendors on performance, licensing, renewals and value.
• Coach and develop the Finance Systems team and build partnerships with Finance, Data & AI and Technology Services.

Skills

Finance strategy

ERP leadership

Stakeholder leadership

Vendor management

Team leadership

Change management

Education

Finance/IT/Business degree or equivalent

Tools

NetSuite

NSPB

Job description

Cognita Schools is seeking a Head of Finance Systems to own the technology powering Finance across the global group. You will set the roadmap for ERP, payments and planning, lead the team, and ensure secure, scalable platforms built around Finance needs.

You will translate Finance requirements into scalable solutions, drive major implementations, and manage vendor relationships. The role requires strategic vision with hands-on delivery and strong governance.