Data and Systems Manager

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

4/15/2025

We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Data & Systems Manager to join our Finance Service Centre based in Cardiff. The role will have a Group wide remit and will be responsible for optimisation of our D365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O) system.

The focus of the role is to:

• Enhance system performance
• Make the most of present and future capabilities
• Implement automated solutions
• Standardise global processes and controls
  
  
  

The objectives are based on business processes and aim to:

• Reduce complexity
• Enable scalability
• Ensure consistenc
• Improve efficiency
  
  
  

The role will lead a team based across different geographies and will liaise with a wide range of stakeholders across the business. It will support data driven decision making, provide strategic insights and act as a sounding board and ensure that our data and systems are aligned with organisational goals.

The right candidate will present a combination of sound technical capabilities with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and a working knowledge of corporate finance function.

Requirements

What You'll Do:

Process improvement

• Understand the business needs and the direction of change to identify and input into process improvement initiatives.
• Translate business requirements into technical deliverables to achieve the required business goals.
• Gather and document functional requirements and complete gap/fit analysis, perform business analysis and create process maps.
• Manage implementation of the initiatives, ensuring collaboration and coordination of efforts, delivering to scope and on time, utilising project management practices and tools.
  
  
  

System Management

• Manage scheduled upgrades, coordinate action plans with internal users, IT department and third-party support.
• Oversee testing of the planned updates, including providing input into test scripts creation, and escalate issues accordingly, to resolve them in a timely manner.
• Understand Microsoft roadmap and the upcoming features, identify opportunities applicable to business needs, plan and implement adoption, and manage log of features not in use.
• Ensure system performance and troubleshoot technical issues, working with internal teams or external support as necessary.
  
  
  

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a team of systems accountants, data masters and data analysts with respect and enthusiasm.
• Provide training and development opportunities to build team skills and knowledge in data and systems technologies, aligned to the company's strategy.
  
  
  

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Collaborate with process owners and subject matter experts to ensure understanding of the wider context and how the improvement changes impact business processes.
• Work closely with IT department to ensure smooth running of BAU, system upgrades and improvement projects.
• Ensure positive and efficient rapport with the third-party support.
• Act as a sounding board to the leadership teams to help drive the best possible decisions.
• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders in an understandable and mindful manner.
• Assist with internal and external audits.
  
  
  

Reporting & Analytics

• Provide input into a common data model creation, ensuring reporting requirements are met and data points are defined and understood.
• Act as a custodian of system's data integrity to ensure accurate, insightful and timely reporting.
• Support Financial Planning & Analysis function to achieve the objectives of reporting strategy.
• Assist users with queries on existing reports and direct any new requirements to appropriate teams.
• Develop and implement data analytics tools to ensure objectives of standardisation are met and to measure performance in line with Finance's SLAs.
  
  
  

Compliance & Security

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, as well as internal policies and data security safeguards.
• Input into and ownership of business continuity and disaster recovery plans and managing planned exercises.
• Provide input into updates of data governance policies and best practices.
  
  
  

Who You Are:

Education

• Degree or equivalent qualification.
  
  
  

Technical Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience configuring, implementing and supporting Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations as a Consultant or in BAU including the following modules and areas: GL, AR, AP, FA, Cash Management
• Microsoft Dynamics certification in Finance, ideally most current version
• Beneficial to have experience of LCS and Azure DevOps, and understanding of Power Platform capabilities and Business Intelligence (BI)
• Excellent command of General Ledger, Project Management and Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cash & Bank, Procurement and Sourcing, Fixed Assets and Revenue Recognition modules of D365 Finance and Operations.
• Knowledge of controls including standardised role-based security and segregation of duties.
• Experience of financial reporting system such as Tagetik
• A solid financial background is desirable
• Proficiency in data management tools and software such as SQL, Python, Power BI.
• Experience of D365 Customer Engagement, including Project Operations.
• Strong project management skills and use of tools and principles.
• Demonstrable experience in effectively supporting finance teams and the ability to articulate and translate demands into workable solutions.
• Experience in business analysis in complex organisation, including business process mapping and review, and process optimisation strategy and implementation.
• Good grasp of and keen interest in new and emerging technology trends.
  
  
  

Problem Solving

• Owns problems, identifies and works with the right people to solve issues quickly within own remit and wider teams.
  
  
  

Innovation & Creativity

• Reviews and looks for efficiencies in ways of working.
• Focuses on continuous improvement.
  
  
  

Applied Thinking/Decision Making

Able to make decisions and translate them into effective actions.

Results Oriented

• Delivers on personal objectives in line with company's strategy and strives to exceed expectations.
• Displays drive and determination to achieve high standards.
  
  
  

Driving profit/margin improvement

• Suggests and makes improvements and efficiencies to manage costs and improve margins.
• Understands need to work within project scope.
  
  
  

Communication, planning work and influencing

• Communicates clearly and concisely using language appropriate to audience.
• Displays sensitivity to develop constructive relationships with others.
• Possesses the confidence to build relationships with all levels of stakeholder.