Interim Project Finance Lead

Bayman Atkinson Smythe; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Finance Systems Project Manager to lead a major finance transformation programme. The role involves overseeing the end-to-end implementation of a new finance system, managing project plans, and ensuring compliance across all areas. Ideal candidates will be fully qualified accountants with proven experience in major finance systems implementations, strong project management skills, and advanced Excel capabilities. This position offers a hybrid working model and competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant or equivalent senior finance background.
• Proven track record delivering major finance systems implementations.
• Strong project management capability with credibility at senior level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a new finance system.
• Deliver the full finance systems implementation lifecycle.
• Coordinate input from internal teams and external system providers.

Skills

Qualified accountant or equivalent senior finance background

Project management capability

Advanced Excel skills

Delivery-focused

Experience in finance systems implementations

Tools

Power BI

Oracle

Dynamics

Job description

Finance Systems Project Manager |12 Month FTC | Greater Manchester / Hybrid | Salary Flexible / Market Rate

We’re recruiting an experienced Finance Systems Project Manager to lead a major, finance-led transformation programme. This is a high-impact role at the heart of a complex systems and process change, moving the organisation from multiple legacy structures to a single, unified finance operating model.

Acting as the engine room of the programme, you’ll take ownership of planning, governance and delivery across all finance and accounting workstreams, working closely with the Operations Director – Finance and senior stakeholders across the business.

The Role

You will lead the end-to-end implementation of a new finance system, redesigning core accounting, reporting and operational processes to support the organisation’s future state.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Own and deliver the full finance systems implementation lifecycle, from scoping and planning through to testing and go-live
• Develop and manage project plans, milestones, dependencies and risks
• Map current ("as is") and future ("to be") accounting processes and oversee structured migration

Finance Transformation

• Redesign reporting frameworks, including the chart of accounts
• Work with management accounts, operational finance and treasury teams to align processes and reporting
• Ensure consistent accounting treatments and compliance across all areas

Stakeholder Management & Delivery

• Lead regular project governance and progress meetings
• Coordinate input from internal teams and external system providers
• Identify issues early, resolve blockers and escalate risks where required
• Provide clear, concise updates to senior leadership

Organisational Readiness

• Support operational teams across finance, income processes, interfaces and reporting
• Oversee the transition of legacy data and Excel‑based files into the new system architecture

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant or equivalent senior finance background
• Proven track record delivering major finance systems implementations (e.g. Oracle, Unit4, Dynamics, SUN, QL or similar)
• Strong project management capability with credibility and gravitas at senior level
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working in data‑heavy environments
• Able to operate autonomously, shaping solutions and delivering high‑quality outputs

Desirable

• Experience in complex, multi‑entity or multi‑system transformations
• Exposure to Power BI or an interest in moving organisations from Excel‑heavy reporting to BI‑led insight

About You

• Structured, confident and delivery‑focused
• Comfortable working hands‑on while retaining strategic oversight
• A pragmatic communicator who can challenge constructively
• Able to bring clarity and momentum to large, cross‑functional programmes

Interested?

If you’re a qualified finance professional with a strong track record in finance systems implementation and transformation, and you enjoy taking ownership of complex, high‑profile programmes, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion to find out more about the role and the wider transformation agenda