Finance Systems Project Manager

About the role

A well-known prestigious arts and cultural charity is embarking on a significant finance systems transformation to replace its outdated finance system with a modern solution that will improve financial processes, reporting capabilities and statutory compliance across its operations. With the new system and implementation partner yet to be selected, this represents an opportunity to help shape the transformation from its early stages through to implementation.

The organisation is seeking an experienced interim Finance Systems Project Manager to lead the client-side delivery of a new finance system, from early preparation and requirements gathering through procurement and implementation.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the project's day-to-day delivery, building on an existing governance framework and coordinating several workstreams covering business processes and cross-cutting requirements. They will combine senior project leadership with hands-on delivery, facilitating workshops, documenting requirements, redesigning processes and the chart of accounts, and working closely with the selected implementation partner.

An appointment is sought as soon as possible, ideally with a start within approximately one month. The initial commitment is likely to be four days per week, potentially reducing to two to three days during quieter procurement stages before increasing again for implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the client-side finance systems transformation from preliminary preparation through implementation.
• Develop and maintain a detailed project plan, managing key milestones, dependencies, risks and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate face-to-face workshops and whiteboard sessions to capture, challenge and document business and finance requirements.
• Lead finance process redesign and coordinate the redesign of the chart of accounts.
• Ensure requirements reflect charity statutory reporting, fund accounting, Gift Aid, VAT, tax and Charity SORP considerations.
• Support the RFP and procurement process by translating organisational needs into clear requirements for prospective suppliers.
• Act as the key internal liaison with the appointed implementation partner, coordinating stakeholders and workstream delivery.
• Maintain momentum, secure stakeholder actions and bring decisions to the appropriate sponsors and governance forums.

What’s on offer:

• Contract duration: Approximately 6–12 months
• Day rate: £500–£600 per day, depending on experience (Outside IR35)
• Working arrangements: Hybrid, with approximately one day per week on-site in the Birmingham area
• Working commitment: Ideally 4 days per week , potentially reducing to two or three days during quieter stages
• On-site accommodation may be provided free of charge by agreement
• Mileage reimbursement available

Ideal candidate

• Proven experience leading client-side finance system or ERP implementations, with strong project management capabilities.
• Ideally a qualified accountant who has subsequently specialised in finance systems implementation or project management.
• Strong understanding of finance operations, CFO priorities and the translation of accounting requirements into system design.
• Knowledge of charity accounting and reporting, including fund accounting, Gift Aid, VAT, tax and Charity SORP.
• Able to provide senior-level leadership while remaining hands-on with workshops, documentation, planning and detailed delivery.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders, secure decisions and hold contributors accountable.
• Able to work objectively before a system is selected, applying transferable delivery skills rather than relying solely on expertise in one platform.
• Arts, theatre or cultural-sector experience would be a strong advantage, particularly within organisations combining productions, production facilities and hospitality activities.
• Available to start promptly