Job Description
The Financial Systems Accountant will play a key role in managing, optimising, and maintaining the organisation’s financial systems. They will ensure these systems are technically maintained, efficient, user-friendly, and aligned with organisational objectives.
This role involves integrating and analysing data from multiple sources to provide detailed analytical reports that help strategically shape the future of the finance department and have a significant impact on the wider trust activities.
By leveraging diverse data sources, the Financial Systems Accountant will deliver comprehensive insights that inform decision-making and drive innovation. Their expertise in financial reporting, data integrity, and system integration will be crucial in ensuring accurate and reliable financial information. Additionally, they will offer expert advice and training
to finance and non-finance users, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Financial Systems Management
* Lead the management and development of financial systems, including SAGE Intacct, IMP, Planergy, SAP, and TravelPerk, ensuring they are streamlined,impactful, and cost-effective.
* Lead the management of the Finance & Procurement department helpdesk software (zendesk) ensuring SLAs are met.
* Oversee the integration of financial systems with other GLT systems to ensurecompatibility and data consistency.
* Manage relationships with system suppliers and service users to address issues and implement improvements effectively.
* Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate upgrades or patches as needed.
* Maintain the Chart of Accounts and set up new locations/ entities within the financial systems.
Reporting and Data Integrity
* Ensure financial systems support accurate and timely reporting, including statutory and management accounts.
* Maintain system controls to safeguard data integrity and compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
* Generate and distribute reports to track system performance, identify trends, and highlight areas for improvement.
* Develop and maintain standardised reporting templates and dashboards to improve financial insight and decision-making.
Process & Customer Experience Improvement
* Identify opportunities to streamline and automate finance processes through better use of financial systems.
* Lead system optimisation projects to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the finance team.
* Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand user needs and implement solutions that improve system functionality.
* Identify, develop and implement strategies that improve the internal and external customer journey in interacting with the Finance & Procurement department.
Training and Support
* Provide training and ongoing support to finance and non-finance staff to maximise system usage and efficiency.
* Develop user guides, training materials, and FAQs to empower users and promote self-sufficiency.
* Ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) associated with financial systems are documented, consistently updated and effectively communicated to relevant teams.
* Act as the first point of contact for system-related queriesand escalate issues to suppliers as needed.
* Ensure the finance content on the Finance & Procurement intranet site is engaging and up to date.
Compliance and Security
* Ensure financial systems comply with organisational policies,regulations, and data security standards.
* Conduct regular system audits to verify functionality,accuracy, and compliance with organisational standards.
* Regularly review access controls and permissions to safeguard sensitive financial data.
* Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, customisations, workflows, and processes for future reference.
Person Specification
* Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) or extensive relevant experience.
* Proven experience in managing financial systems and implementing system improvements.
* Strong technical knowledge of financial software such as SAGE Intacct, SAP, or similar platforms.
* Demonstrated ability to analyse and manipulate large datasets for reporting and decision-making purposes.
Greenshaw Learning Trust is a highly successful multi academy trust that provides excellent quality, comprehensive and inclusive education through primary schools and secondary schools. Our schools are based in London, Surrey, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Plymouth. We also have three shared service hubs where our central teams can be based out of. We are building a family of like-minded schools, that collaborate to provide mutual support, share their good practice and learn from each other, whilst retaining and developing their own distinctive character. We thrive from collaboration at every level. We encourage a culture of sharing ideas and learning from one another. As a Trust of schools, we are 'Always Learning’.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 12 March 2025. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.
We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.
Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.