Interim Financial Transformation Project Lead

Age UK; North Shields; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known charity organization is seeking an Interim Financial Transformation Project Lead to manage a modernization program in its finance function. The role involves leading the implementation of finance systems, ensuring effective project delivery, and enhancing financial processes. Candidates should have CCAB qualifications and significant experience in finance system upgrades, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified CCAB accountant with significant post-qualification experience.
• Proven track record of leading finance system implementations.
• Strong grasp of change management and project management principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the upgrade or implementation of finance systems.
• Design real-time reporting and dashboard tools.
• Oversee project delivery and manage risk.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial process improvement

Data analysis

Change management

Education

Qualified CCAB accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW)

Relevant degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Finance systems

Reporting tools

Job description

Overview

We\'re seeking an Interim Financial Transformation Project Lead to spearhead a major modernisation programme across our Group\'s finance function. This is a strategic, project-based role - not part of day-to-day finance operations - working closely with our Group Chief Finance and Operating Officer, Senior Leadership Team, and colleagues in Finance, Digital, and Operations. The objective is to build a more modern, efficient, digital-first finance function that supports organisational growth and decision-making. The length of the fixed-term contract and the number of consultancy days are open to discussion and will depend on the scale and scope of the project identified during the discovery phase.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end upgrade or implementation of our finance systems, ensuring integration with CRM, HR, and other internal platforms.
• Design and embed real-time reporting and dashboard tools to improve data visibility and decision-making.
• Oversee project delivery from planning to execution, including milestones, risk management, benefits tracking, and reporting.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing financial processes (e.g. AP/AR, reconciliations, reporting) to identify automation and efficiency opportunities.
• Recommend and implement simplified, scalable workflows that enhance accuracy, speed, and value.
• Ensure all process changes maintain compliance, audit, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage a detailed transformation project plan and present progress updates to the Senior Leadership Team and governance committees.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Finance, IT, HR, and Operations to ensure smooth implementation and strong stakeholder buy-in.

Qualifications

• Qualified CCAB accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW).
• Degree or equivalent level of education in a relevant field.
• Significant post-qualification experience with a strong track record of leading finance system implementations or upgrades.
• Experience delivering finance transformation programmes in complex, multi-stakeholder organisations.
• Excellent project management skills, with a strong grasp of change management principles and stakeholder engagement.
• Deep understanding of financial processes and controls, with the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Strong technical understanding of finance systems, reporting tools, and integration with other platforms (e.g. CRM, HRIS, ERP).
• High proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.
• Ability to communicate complex financial and technical concepts to non-specialist audiences.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in a project environment.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity, non-profit, or social enterprise sector, with an understanding of relevant regulatory and compliance frameworks (Charity SORP, FRS 102).
• Familiarity with CRM and HR systems integration with finance platforms.
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, PMP) or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Experience working with boards and governance structures.