Finance Systems Director

FINANCE SYSTEMS DIRECTOR We are looking for an experienced Finance Systems Director to lead the Group Finance Systems team. This role reports to the Group CFO and can be performed on a hybrid basis, with regular visits to our central London office. ABOUT THE ROLE A Finance Transformation programme is currently underway, and the Finance Systems Team are fundamental to driving process and control improvements globally. This is a great opportunity to pick up the progress already made and drive the Group's Finance systems to the next level and beyond. The Finance Systems team is responsible for implementing, maintaining and enhancing the technology solutions used by our Finance team globally. Currently this includes NetSuite (ERP) and Adaptive Insights (consolidation). The team comprises four UK based employees and a newly established user support team of three in our Finance Hub in Cape Town. NetSuite is used for the core accounting functions, including order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, fixed assets and bank reconciliations. It is also used more widely across the business for timesheets, staff expenses, and project management. Our NetSuite instance is highly customised, to support complex business requirements, and is used by over 2,000 users globally, across over 100 subsidiaries. Adaptive Planning is used as the global consolidation tool, by over 60 finance individuals globally. It is utilised for the consolidation and reporting of actuals, forecasts, and budgets at a Group level. This role has an important part to play in our ongoing Finance transformation and the establishment of the Finance Hub in Cape Town. By ensuring the systems we use support the development and implementation of consistent processes and ways of working, including appropriate internal controls, you will contribute significantly to the success of this global initiative. Responsibilities: The focus of this role is quite broad and flexible, with responsibilities including: Oversee and direct development/maintenance across all Finance platforms Complete the global implementation of NetSuite, ensuring timeline is achieved for 100% global roll-out Enhancing our current setup - with a key focus on simplifying and standardising processes, reducing customisation, increasing the use of available functionality and improving the control environment Manage stakeholder relationships and communicate project risks/issues to senior teams across the group and PLC Partner with, and own, relationships with relevant departments to deliver successful solutions to meet group strategies and requirements Identify opportunities, priorities and plans for the next phases of business transformation Manage the Systems team to maximise efficiency and ensure that the team is challenged and developed Advise and contribute to decision making on our systems landscape, identifying new solutions to be implemented and improving the links between existing Finance and non-Finance systems ABOUT YOU The ideal candidate for this role will have a proven track record of managing teams who have delivered change to Finance stakeholders. This should cover both the implementation of new processes and systems, as well as the improvement of existing processes and systems use through simplification and standardisation. You re good at: Delivering change within an entrepreneurial, hard-working and fast paced environment Organised, decisive and independent Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring successful completion in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to both internal and external stakeholders, across all levels of the business Excellent problem-solving ability You ll bring with you (experience and qualifications): Required experience for this role: At least 5 years experience of leading the development and roll-out of global finance systems Strong experience and understanding of NetSuite on a similar sized, multi-currency, multi-country and highly customised instance Solid accounting knowledge and experience from core accounting to best-practice business processes Experience leading large teams across multiple engagements and developing staff Experience of implementing new Finance Systems into a business Experience of delivering improvements and changes to existing Finance processes and systems Desirable experience: Qualified Accountant with experience working in professional services Previous involvement in the establishment of a Finance Shared Service Centre Previous experience of using NetSuite in a project based business / industry Previous exposure to integrating acquired businesses into an existing Group from a Finance process and systems perspective Knowledge of Adaptive Planning Consolidation module and/or other consolidation packages WHAT YOU LL GET Top level summary of benefits, salary (if to be disclosed), etc. ABOUT M&C SAATCHI GROUP M&C Saatchi Group is a creative company that connects specialist expertise, fuelled by data, technology, and culture, to help clients navigate, create, and lead meaningful change. The Group operates across five core divisions: Connected Creativity; Passion Marketing; Global & Social Issues; Brand, Experience & Innovation; and Performance Media. Headquartered in London, operations span 23 countries with major hubs in the UK, Europe, US, Middle East & Africa, Asia and Australia. M&C Saatchi Group s two principles, Diversity of Thought and Brutal Simplicity of Thought, guide how they build teams and solve problems. M&C Saatchi Group UK has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture brought to life through equity. As part of this M&C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics. All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). #LI-JL1 #J-18808-Ljbffr