Head of Finance Data and Systems

Innovate UK; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader to enhance financial systems and data management. This role involves leading transformative projects to optimize processes and improve efficiency across the finance function. You will collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to implement innovative solutions and ensure effective financial planning. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive culture, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking environment. If you are passionate about leveraging technology in finance, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Expertise in financial systems and processes.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead improvements in financial analysis and reporting.
• Develop collaborative relationships across departments.
• Guide and support external resources for continuous improvement.

Skills

Innovative thinking

Technology in finance

Data management

Data analysis

Business Intelligence tools

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

£68,525 gross per annum

UKRI Band G

Full Time

Polaris House Swindon or Caxton House London (Hybrid Working Available)

Open Ended

Closing date: 27th May 2025

Job Overview

The post holder will be responsible for leading work to enhance the use of financial data and systems, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Finance function and financial planning and management across UKRI.

UKRI are in the process of moving from an on-premise Oracle ERP to cloud-based Oracle Fusion, and will be using new EPM functionality. At the same time we have recently scaled up use of our new grants management tool, TFS. This exciting role will prioritise and shape the transformational work to optimize our processes, identify continuous improvements to systems, and maximise value from our data and reporting across our various systems, bringing in colleagues from across finance.

Responsibilities

Key Areas of Accountability:

Leadership / Teamwork

Develop exceptional collaborative relationships with senior managers and colleagues across finance, data and digital, and HR teams. Collaborate with other functions and teams (Digital, Data, HR, Strategy, Analysis) and external stakeholders (Department for Science Innovation and Technology, National Audit Office), including matrixed management of roles in those areas, where required to enable project delivery.

Plan and define workstreams and improvements needed, prioritise and influence to deliver changes using resources outside direct line management chain

Guide, target and support external resource over the medium term, and ensure skills transfer for longer term continuous improvement ability

Delivery / Programmes / Projects / Process

Lead improvements to the UKRIs financial analysis and reporting capabilities to support a streamlined, digital first, and data-driven approach across UKRI including creating a long-term road map, initial implementation, and ongoing continuous improvement.

Lead the design and ongoing maintenance and control of UKRI chart of accounts involving dealing with competing needs and different ways of working in the organisation and finding a right balance between standardisation and flexibility.

Deliver continuous improvement initiatives in relation to use of data and systems in grants accounting.

About You

Skills, qualifications and experience:

(S) Assessed at shortlisting

(I) Assessed at interview

(S&I) Assessed at both shortlisting and interview

Essential

Demonstrable success in innovative thinking, and the planning and implementation of change, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of financial systems and processes. (S&I)

Current expert knowledge of the use of technology in finance, and ability to translate that into a UKRI Finance data and systems roadmap aligned with UKRI goals and strategy, in collaboration with IT and Data teams. (S&I)

Expert data management and data analysis skills. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, ability to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities in data. (S&I)

Knowledge of Business Intelligence and data visualisation tools (e.g., PowerBI) and ability to design and implement dashboards and reporting solutions. (S&I)

Highly developed communication skills, ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Excellent stakeholder management with good negotiation skills. Ability to foster collaboration between technical and business teams, and work across departments (e.g., finance, Data, IT, HR, Councils) (S&I)

To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options
  
  

Please click here for more details on theBenefits of working for UKRI UKRI

How To Apply

Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page