Finance Transformation Lead / Finance Systems Implementation Consultant (FCA-regulated)£100,000 to £120,000 depending on experience + benefits / bonus (12 month FTC)(Finance Business Lead, Not an IT Project Manager)Location: Hybrid – M4 corridor, Reading/SwindonContract: 12‑month Fixed Term ContractAbout the RoleOur client is seeking an experienced finance professional to lead the Finance Systems Replacement and Technology Enablement Programme. This is a business‑owned finance transformation role, not an IT delivery post.You will act as the Finance Transformation Lead, responsible for redesigning core finance processes, shaping the future-state operating model, and ensuring the chosen finance system (Oracle NetSuite / MS Dynamics or similar) fully supports statutory, regulatory and management reporting requirements.The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, ICAS) with hands-on understanding of financial processes.Purpose of the RoleLead Finance through a major transformation of the General Ledger, AP, AR, reporting and month-end processes;Own the functional design of the new finance system based on best‑practice accounting and regulatory requirements;Represent the CFO and the Finance function in all aspects of the programme including vendor selection, process redesign, data requirements, implementation and adoption.Drive improvements in automation, reporting quality and operational efficiency across Finance.What makes this role differentThis role is intentionally positioned as a Finance Business Lead, meaning: Finance Expertise First, Technology SecondYou redesign the processes; the technology is there to support your vision.Decisions are based on accounting, controls, compliance and reporting - not pure IT architecture. You Are the Finance Subject Matter ExpertYou interpret accounting impacts of configuration decisions.You deeply understand what the new GL, AP, AR and reporting outputs must deliver. You Drive the TransformationIT supports the project and you own the functional decisions, requirements and success criteria.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the end‑to‑end lifecycle of the finance transformation projectAct as the primary liaison for Finance, engaging with: CFO and senior finance leaders, Group technology teams, System implementation partners and external vendorsEnsure future-state design supports:Month-end close requirementsStatutory and FCA-regulated reportingControls, reconciliations and audit needsLead data, reporting and MI transformationExperience & Qualifications RequiredEssential:Professional accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / ICAS) or equivalent expertise.Proven experience leading finance system / GL replacements from the business side.Strong knowledge across:General LedgerAP & ARFinancial reporting (statutory, regulatory, management)Finance operations and controlsExperience in finance process redesign, data structures and reporting frameworks.Desirable:Experience in Financial Services and FCA-regulated environments.Exposure to Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics or similar cloud finance systems.Experience working with procurement on vendor selection & RFP processes.What You BringA finance professional’s mindset: understanding the “why” behind the transformation.Ability to challenge, influence and guide senior stakeholders.Strong communication skills with the credibility to represent Finance across the business.A passion for improving processes, data and reporting, not just delivering a system.Ability to oversee a complex programme while keeping the focus firmly on finance outcomes.Apply with cv to Tim Murray-Brown 07590 533297