About the Role
Sense are recruiting for a Finance Systems Accountant to join our finance team in Birmingham. This is a permanent opportunity, working 37.5 per week on a hybrid basis with 2-3 days on site at our office in Selly Oak.
As Finance Systems Accountant, you will shape the future of Sense's finance systems, leading digital innovation across finance with a strong focus on automation, system optimisation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). This is a strategic and forward-looking role at the heart of our finance transformation. You will lead the design, implementation and enhancement of finance systems, oversee monthly management accounts and lead a small team, drive automation and AI-enabled improvements, and strengthen financial controls, data integrity and reporting insight.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Systems Leadership
Manage the daily operation of all finance systems, ensuring reliability, performance and accuracy.
Act as primary liaison with our external technology partner.
Oversee system upgrades, updates and enhancements — including planning, testing and communication.
Proactively monitor system risks and identify improvement opportunities.
Ensure finance data is accessible, reliable and fit for purpose across the organisation.
Systems Development, Automation & AI Enablement
Lead implementation of new finance systems and enhancements to existing platforms.
Identify and implement automation and AI-enabled tools (e.g. workflow automation, intelligent reconciliation, enhanced analytics).
Partner with technology teams and vendors to ensure secure and compliant integration.
Evaluate emerging technologies that improve scalability, insight and efficiency.
Process Mapping & Continuous Improvement
Analyse end-to-end finance processes to identify automation and standardisation opportunities.
Develop and maintain clear process maps and documentation.
Champion continuous improvement while maintaining robust governance and controls.
Data Integrity, Insight & Reporting
Ensure data accuracy, consistency and integrity across finance systems.
Enhance reporting and dashboards, including AI-supported analytics for forecasting and trend analysis.
Ensure transparency, auditability and control over AI-enabled tools.
People Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Lead and develop the Management Accounts team (x2).
Act as the main point of contact for finance systems queries and training.
Support colleagues to build confidence in new systems and tools.
Engage stakeholders at all levels to deliver practical, user-focused solutions.
Compliance, Controls & Risk
Maintain strong system-based financial controls.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, data protection and organisational standards.
Support internal and external audit processes.
Contribute to development of finance, technology and data policies.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
Strong understanding of core finance processes and finance systems architecture.
Experience implementing, upgrading or supporting ERP systems, purchase order systems or budgeting tools.
Demonstrable experience driving automation or system-enabled efficiencies.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insight.
Project management experience and knowledge of change delivery methodologies.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Proven people management experience, leading teams to high performance.
Clear and sustained commitment to building an inclusive, diverse workforce aligned with the communities we serve.
Desirable
Experience with Sun Accounting System.
Experience with Jedox or similar budgeting/forecasting tools.
Experience with Power BI or similar visualisation tools.
Exposure to AI-enabled finance tools.
Understanding of data governance and ethical AI use in a regulated environment.