Finance officer (systems control)

We're looking for an aspiring Systems Accountant to lead and safeguard our core financial systems within a high-profile public sector environment based in Leeds. This is a hands‑on, influential role for someone who enjoys technical ownership, improving controls, and making systems work better for people.

The role

You'll be the technical lead for our end‑to‑end finance systems, covering:

• General ledger, AP/AR, procurement, budgeting, payroll, cash and banking systems
• System controls, compliance and audit readiness (including GDPR, IFRS/CIPFA)
• Finance system contracts and supplier performance
• Financial system training, guidance and user‑friendly documentation
• High‑quality reporting, data extracts and support for initiatives such as the National Fraud Initiative
• System support for budget monitoring and year‑end accounts production

You’ll work closely with finance colleagues, auditors, system providers and senior stakeholders, using your expertise to challenge, improve and modernise ways of working while maintaining strong internal controls.

About you

You'll likely be:

• Degree‑qualified or experienced in financial systems control
• Part‑qualified (or working towards) AAT / accounting qualification, or equivalent experience
• Confident working with complex finance systems in a Local Authority or public sector environment
• An advanced Excel user, comfortable translating data into insight
• A clear communicator who can influence, train and build trusted relationships

You’re organised, forward‑thinking and motivated by doing things properly, and better!

Working pattern:

Typically planned around annual objectives, with scope to manage workload autonomously.

If you’re a systems‑minded finance professional who wants influence, responsibility and purpose – we’d love to hear from you.