Managerial, Professional and Specialist Staff – MPSS
Head of Finance Systems and Data
Cardiff University exists to create and share knowledge and to educate for the benefit of all. Our vision is to be a world-leading, research-excellent, educationally outstanding university, fulfilling its social, cultural, and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, the UK, and the world. The Finance Professional Services play a vital role in supporting this vision by prioritizing efficient and effective customer service for both internal and external clients.
The Finance function is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance service and support. This includes automating Purchase to Pay processes, redesigning the chart of accounts, and planning for subsequent phases.
As the Head of Finance Systems, you will lead a team of analysts, developers, and system administrators to develop a strategic vision for Finance, utilizing data and technology to improve efficiency and insight. You will foster collaboration, provide leadership, and enhance team capabilities across the Finance function.
This role involves managing system development projects, resolving issues with current functionalities, and working closely with Finance and IT colleagues. You will collaborate with the Finance Transformation Programme to develop and own a strategic roadmap for the university’s finance systems, promoting continuous improvement and technological advancement.
This position is full-time (35 hours/week), open-ended, with a salary of £60,907 - £66,537 per annum (Grade 8). It offers flexible, blended working arrangements, supporting work-life balance, and includes benefits such as 37 days annual leave, pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, and others.
Cardiff University is committed to equality, diversity, and an inclusive working environment. We value applications in Welsh and English, ensuring equal consideration for both.
Job Description
Strategic leadership and development
1. Develop and lead the strategic roadmap for Finance systems and data, overseeing projects aligned with University strategy.
2. Coordinate with IT and system owners to develop an integrated systems and data strategy, fostering continuous improvement.
3. Stay updated on technological advancements, engaging with sector specialists to leverage new opportunities.
4. Understand the University’s activities and needs through user engagement, overseeing projects to meet evolving business requirements.
5. Promote a culture of data and technology engagement across the organization.
Functional ownership
* Support and maintain the full product set, managing updates and testing procedures.
* Ensure disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place.
* Define and monitor SLAs, addressing issues proactively.
* Ensure compliance with statutory accounting, tax, and financial controls in all system changes.
User support and training
* Oversee support services for Finance systems, prioritizing and recording support calls, maintaining knowledge bases.
* Ensure documentation and user guides are current and accessible.
Staff management
* Develop the capabilities of the Finance Systems Support team, promoting high performance and customer service excellence.
Person Specification
Applicants should address the following criteria with examples from their experience:
* Qualified accountant (CCAB) or equivalent qualification.
* Extensive experience managing financial systems in complex organizations, especially core finance, purchasing, and reporting.
* Proven ability to lead IT transformation projects from strategy to delivery, engaging stakeholders effectively.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with ability to motivate teams and communicate technical matters to non-specialists.
* Research, problem-solving, and innovative thinking skills.
* Experience in system improvement initiatives, project management, and leading change projects.
* Experience working in Higher Education and familiarity with Oracle EBS, SAP Concur, and data governance policies.
* Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.
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