Your new company
A well‑established organisation within the Higher Education sector is embarking on a major finance systems transformation programme. With legacy, paper‑based processes and highly detailed financial regulations, they are now preparing to transition from Sage to a modern cloud‑based finance system. They are seeking an experienced Finance Systems Accountant to lead this change and ensure the successful adoption of new processes across the organisation.

Your new role
Reporting into the Finance Director and working closely with the Management Accountant, you will take ownership of the end‑to‑end project to deliver a new cloud‑based finance system.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Project-managing the transition from Sage to a cloud-based accounting platform.
• Engaging with non-finance teams to embed new processes into operational workflows and delivering staff training to ensure adoption.
• Reviewing existing financial regulations and recommending updates to internal controls aligned to the new system environment.
• Working with finance assistants to identify and implement a new approach to student group expense claims.
• Ensuring successful integration between the organisation’s existing system and the new finance system.
• Troubleshooting system issues post–go live and supporting ongoing optimisation.

What you'll need to succeed

• You will be a fully qualified Accountant (CIMA / CIPFA / ACCA) or an exceptional QBE with demonstrable experience in similar roles.
• A strong background in large, complex environments — exposure to shared services would be highly advantageous.
• A proven track record of leading finance system change, including managing integration challenges.
• Experience reviewing and automating key finance processes.
• The ability to build strong relationships and create buy‑in with non‑finance colleagues during times of change.

What you'll get in return

• A pivotal role leading a major transformation project in the Higher Education sector.
• The opportunity to shape future processes and controls within a supportive and collaborative finance function.
• A competitive salary of up to £58,000 with a 6–12 month fixed-term contract, starting as soon as possible.

What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, please click “apply” and we will revert to the most relevant applications as soon as possible.

If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you’re an accountant looking for a new job in finance, please contact Benjamin Stanton at the Hays Senior Finance team in Manchester.