Finance Systems Accountant - Doxford, SR3 3XPArriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with our new shareholder I Squared Capital who acquired Arriva in May 2024.We are hiring a Finance Systems Accountant to join us within our Group Finance division. Reporting into our Group Head of Accounting and Consolidation, the Finance Systems Accountant will be responsible for developing and managing Group Finance systems and processes to ensure the effective and efficient processing of financial and non-financial data, and to further extend the range of management tools and reports used to inform the organisation. The role is based with colleagues in our Sunderland office - Doxford Park, a minimum of 2 days per week with the rest focusing on where you can best deliver, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance. The role operates Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with 1 hour lunch per day.Key responsibilities of the role include:Day-to-day systems support and issue resolution:Troubleshooting and fixing finance and related system issues including raising tickets with appropriate helpdesk.Resolving interface conflicts.Reviewing systems performance and resolving issues, referring to Arriva's Technology & Systems ('T&S') team or external suppliers as necessary.Onboard users to Finance related systems including user access rights, SSO etc.Process and systems improvement:Work with the Finance colleagues, including senior stakeholders and system administrators/managers in Group Accounting, Reporting and FP&A teams to identify and implement potential systems improvements.Responsibility for communications of updates/changes to end users and ensuring all changes are fully documented and tested.Manage finance systems upgrades, working closely with end users and the T&S team to ensure successful testing and implementation.Review current interfaces, forms and procedures of finance systems and propose solutions to streamline and reduce manual intervention.Systems administration:Management, maintenance and continuous improvement of Finance systems.Liaising with T&S to ensure staff have appropriate access to Group Finance systems.Review and implement requests for changes to system workflows.Test and review access rights to Group Finance systems.Ensure the appropriate license structure is maintained and a process in place for recycling licenses.Work with procurement team to ensure strong relationships with system suppliers.Governance and controls:Instil a culture of robust control and efficiency throughout Group Finance and the wider organisation.Ensure policies and procedures exist for Group finance systems, working with Finance team members as necessary.Define and maintain archiving strategy and archive schedule of prior period data to ensure and maintain optimal Finance system performance.Design, implement and maintain internal system controls (preventative and detective) to provide quality assurance over financial data.Review and maintain systems configuration, policies and controls, including access rights, process change procedures, audit trails etc.Liaise with external stakeholders (e.g. internal and external auditors, system developers) and keep up to date to ensure good practice in this area.Ensure adherence to document retention policies in Finance.Support the Head of Risk in ensuring that internal financial controls are fit for purpose and are enforced, measured and monitored, and improved where necessary.To work with the team to reduce reliance on spreadsheets and financial information held offline.Provide a consistent and approachable point of content for stakeholders for any finance systems related issues.Train and support finance team members and other staff in the use of financial systems and procedures:Delivery of system training for Finance colleagues.Provide a consistent and approachable point of contact for stakeholders.What we’d like from you!We’re looking for experienced and qualified accountants (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) who have a strong background in managing and administering financial systems (e.g. CCH Tagetik), including troubleshooting and system support, within a similar industry.Candidates must also have:A proven ability to identify and implement improvements in finance systems to streamline processes and reduce manual intervention.Knowledge of financial controls, system documentation, and the ability to ensure compliance with policies and audit requirements.Strong communication skills to collaborate with senior finance stakeholders and deliver training and support to team members.Excellent problem-solving abilities and a high attention to detail when managing system performance and troubleshooting issues.And finally, we are looking for candidates who demonstrate alignment to our Arriva values: caring passionately, doing the right thing and making a difference.What we can offer you in addition to a competitive base salary:Company car or car cash allowance.Discretionary bonus scheme, dependent upon company performance and personal performance.True hybrid working – a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, the rest focusing on where you can best deliver for your customers, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance.A generous pension plan.Life Assurance equal to 2 x your annual salary, plus access to one of the UK’s largest networks of medical professionals.25 days holidays and statutory bank holidays per year, with the opportunity to purchase holiday. Please note the window for 2024 holiday purchase is now closed and therefore the ability to purchase will commence for holiday year 2025.Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).Access to discounts and cash back through ‘The Village’ – our Online Reward Gateway.Eyecare vouchers.The opportunity to join our Employee Experience Forum – a community of people leading activity and initiatives to enhance Wellbeing, Career Development and Communications within our community in the Corporate Centre.The opportunity to join a Global Arriva Inclusion Network (GAIN) group- a community of people who are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion.Free Arriva bus travel for you and immediate family outside of London – T&C’s apply.And a truly wonderful team to be joining!Why work for us?Arriva is a people focused business. In every part of Arriva, our people deliver high standards of customer service and work together to demonstrate kindness, determination, and resilience.Our values were created by Arriva people. They guide our actions and the way we work, helping to reflect and shape our culture. They focus on caring, integrity and making the difference.Our people choose to work for us, and to stay with us, because we are a great place to work. At Arriva, we strive to create a culture where we can all be ourselves, where we belong, feel respected and our differences celebrated.We actively seek out and value difference. We want our business to reflect the wide range of communities in which we operate, so we can serve them even better.The closing date for applications is Sunday 2 February 2025. Arriva Group reserve the right to close this vacancy early.