Finance Systems Manager (85k - Football)

Global Accounting Network; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Accounting Network in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Finance Systems Manager to lead the development, optimisation and governance of finance systems. The role combines technical accounting knowledge with systems expertise to drive efficiency and insights.

You will own the systems roadmap, manage Workday governance, and lead end-to-end integration projects while supporting data analytics across the finance function from our Newcastle-based HQ.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with CIMA/ACA/ACCA.
• Extensive experience with finance systems (Workday/Adaptive Planning).
• Experience leading system upgrades and automation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with ability to translate requirements.

Responsibilities

• Modernise and optimise the company's financial infrastructure.
• Own the complete finance systems roadmap.
• Lead user testing for Workday releases, upgrades and new functionality.
• Drive end-to-end system integration projects with internal teams and external specialists.
• Spearhead adoption of the Data Warehouse solution for data analytics insights.
• Evaluate and manage AI tool deployment within the finance team.
• Develop dashboards and reports to support data-driven decisions.
• Oversee configuration of Adaptive Planning budgeting/forecasting.
• Manage access controls and segregation of duties.
• Lead digital transformation and automation initiatives for efficiency and accuracy.
• Manage system incidents and service requests.
• Support high-quality financial reporting through accurate data configurations.
• Provide strategic oversight to promote continuous professional development.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Automation & process improvement

Education

CIMA/ACA/ACCA

Tools

Workday Financials

Adaptive Planning

Job description

Entertainment organisation require a Finance Systems Manager to join at their Newcastle based HQ. The role will combine technical accounting knowledge and systems expertise, leading the development, optimisation and governance of finance systems. We are looking for qualified accountants with strong systems experience keen to work in a fast paced and exciting entertainment environment.

The Role

• The Finance Systems Manager will be instrumental in modernising and optimising the company's financial infrastructure
• Own the complete finance systems roadmap
• Lead comprehensive user testing for Workday bi-annual releases, upgrades, and new functionality
• Drive end-to-end system integration projects, partnering strategically with both internal teams and external technical specialists to ensure seamless implementation
• Spearhead the finance function's adoption of the Data Warehouse solution, maximising the value and insights derived from advanced data analytics
• Evaluate and manage AI tool deployment within the finance team
• Develop and maintain sophisticated dashboards and reports that enable wider club adoption of Workday financials and support data-driven decision-making
• Own technical configuration of the Adaptive Planning budgeting and forecasting system, ensuring the platform delivers accurate, meaningful insights
• Oversee system maintenance and set-up, including chart of accounts management, cost centre structures, hierarchies, validations, and workflow optimisation
• Manage user access controls with meticulous attention to segregation of duties, ensuring full compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
• Lead the finance function's digital transformation journey, identifying opportunities for automation and continuous improvement that enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Manage finance system incidents and service requests to agreed service levels
• Support high-quality financial reporting by configuring systems to deliver accurate, timely, and meaningful financial data
• Provide strategic management oversight to ensure team members engage in continuous professional development and remain current with emerging finance systems trends

The Person

• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA, or ACCA) - essential requirement
• Significant hands-on experience working within a finance function, with demonstrable technical accounting knowledge
• Proven expertise working with finance systems or ERP platforms, ideally including direct experience with Workday Financials and Adaptive Planning
• Confident stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior club representatives and translate complex requirements into practical, deliverable roadmaps
• Track record supporting finance transformation, including successful delivery of system upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives through automation and process optimisation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a genuine commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Excellent cross-functional communication abilities, capable of explaining complex technical topics clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences
• Experience managing systems support and change management processes in complex organisational environments