Finance Systems Project Manager

We are now recruiting a new Finance Systems Project Manager for an 18month - 2year fixed term contract.

You will take responsibility for the timely and effective full lifecycle implementation of the new finance accounting system, in support of AJ Bell’s strategic objectives.

You will be playing a key role in managing the project and ensuring a successful delivery, including ensuring financial integrity is maintained and processing efficiency and reporting capabilities of the company are enhanced. This project is predominantlytechnology led with an emphasis on financial processes and automation therefore a proven track record of successful finance system implementations is essential.

AJ Bell is a dynamic and growth-oriented business, you will work with an experienced and ambitious team, who are passionate about delivering the Group’s purpose to help people invest.

What does the job involve?
- Leading the full lifecycle finance system implementation project from tender through to, selection, implementation, UAT and user adoption.
- Replace the business’s legacy financial systems with something that is efficient, has strong controls, can handle the complexities of the business and which can meet the future needs of the business.
- Analyse key system processes and utilise latest technology to source an efficient and robust solution focusing on:

- Transactional efficiency
- Increased compliance and control
- Drive business insights
- Data migration; and
- UAT processes
- Production and agreement of project scope and optimised project plans and responsibility for leading and managing the project team to these plans
- Establish and maintain effective and trusted relationships with internal Finance and project stakeholders and external 3rd party suppliers
- Regular reporting on project status to sponsors, stakeholders and executive management
- Identification and management of project risks, issues and dependencies, plus assessment of consumer outcome risks posed by the project

What we’re looking for:

- An experienced project manager with a proven record of full lifecycle finance systems implementations.
- Proven experience with systems and utilising latest technology to drive efficiencies.
- Chartered Accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA) desirable
- Experience of delivering in a financially regulated environment desirable
- Ability to quickly understand technical topics.
- Analytically minded with close attention to detail, and have the drive and ambition to challenge convention, and to make difference in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment
- Sound understanding of internal controls framework and proven experience implementing changes to improve controls
- Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships across the business
- Use of sound judgement to determine when it is necessary to escalate through established escalation channels in a timely manner
- Pragmatic approach to delivery of projects
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to build and manage effective relationships
- Good business/commercial knowledge
- Analytical skills/problem solving
- Excellent planning and organisational skills
- High attention to detail

About us:
AJ Bell is one of the UK’s largest and best-regarded investment platforms. Over 432,000 customers currently trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financialfutures. From our offices in Manchester, London and Bristol, we offer an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers, to DIY investors with little to no experience.

There are opportunities for growth and professional development for members wanting to progress within their career including induction training and our study support scheme which is part of our benefits package.

At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.

What we offer:

- Competitive starting salary
- Generous holiday allowance increasing up to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays
- Holiday buy/sell scheme
- Hybrid working policy
- Casual dress code
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Contributory pension scheme
- Buy as you earn share scheme
- Paid study support for qualifications
- Enhanced maternity/paternity scheme with length of service
- Bike loan
- Season ticket loan portal
- Discounted PMI and Dental
- On-site gym and personal trainer led classes
- Paid volunteering opportunities
- Free social events and more