Key Achievements:
- Led the successful replacement of SAP BFC with CCH Tagetik, transforming group consolidation, budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting capabilities across multiple international entities.
- Reduced month-end close cycle from 10 days to 4 days through automation of reconciliations, AI-assisted anomaly detection, and workflow optimisation.
- Delivered annual savings exceeding €130K by reducing dependency on external consultants through automation and enhanced internal capability.
- Implemented AI-driven forecasting and analytics tools, improving forecast accuracy by 28% and enabling faster commercial decision-making.
- Designed and implemented automated ETL and reporting frameworks, reducing manual processing by 75% and significantly improving data integrity.
- Introduced real-time Power BI dashboards providing visibility across sales, margin, inventory, and customer profitability for retail and eCommerce leadership teams.
- Supported rapid eCommerce growth by integrating scalable finance systems capable of handling a 40% increase in online transaction volumes without increasing headcount.
- Delivered AI-powered spend analytics and supplier performance monitoring tools, identifying operational savings opportunities exceeding £500K annually.
- Strengthened finance systems governance, controls, and security protocols, achieving full audit compliance and reducing operational risk.
- Built and led a high-performing Finance IT function, driving user adoption, stakeholder engagement, and continuous process improvement across Finance, IT, and Commercial teams.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic direction, optimisation, and support of all finance systems across retail and eCommerce operations.
- Drive finance transformation initiatives focused on automation, scalability, efficiency, and enhanced commercial reporting.
- Manage finance systems including Tagetik, SAP BFC, ERP integrations, Power BI, and associated reporting platforms.
- Partner with Finance, IT, Commercial, and Operations leadership to align technology solutions with wider business objectives.
- Lead end-to-end implementation of finance systems including requirements gathering, testing, deployment, and user training.
- Develop AI-enabled forecasting and financial planning solutions to improve business insight and decision-making.
- Implement automation initiatives to reduce manual finance processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Utilise AI and data analytics tools to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and commercial opportunities.
- Deliver real-time KPI dashboards and reporting solutions supporting retail trading and eCommerce performance analysis.
- Oversee month-end, budgeting, forecasting, and group consolidation processes ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Ensure robust finance systems governance, compliance, security, and audit controls across all platforms.
- Manage and maintain master data structures and oversee efficient ETL and data integration processes.
- Collaborate with supply chain and commercial teams to improve stock visibility, profitability analysis, and working capital management.
- Provide strategic financial insight to support pricing, promotions, investment decisions, and business growth initiatives.
- Act as primary liaison for third-party vendors, implementation partners, and software providers.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance reporting capability.
- Deliver face-to-face and virtual training sessions to improve end-user adoption and systems proficiency.
- Manage cross-functional transformation projects ensuring delivery within agreed timelines and budgets.
- Support integration of new acquisitions, entities, and operational systems into the wider finance infrastructure.
- Develop scalable reporting and analytics solutions to support international business growth.
- Monitor finance systems performance, resolving issues and implementing enhancements where required.
- Drive business intelligence initiatives using Power BI and cloud-based reporting technologies.
- Support senior leadership with commercially focused financial analysis and operational reporting.
- Mentor and develop Finance IT team members, promoting innovation and continuous improvement.
What does a Head of Finance IT do?
A Head of Finance IT leads the technology, systems and data capabilities that support an organisation's finance function. They oversee finance systems, automation, reporting, analytics and digital transformation, working closely with Finance, IT, Commercial and Operations teams to improve efficiency, data quality and financial decision-making.
What qualifications do you need to become a Head of Finance IT?
Most employers look for a finance, accounting, technology or related degree together with significant experience in finance systems, financial transformation or technology leadership. Professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA can be valuable, alongside expertise in ERP systems, finance platforms, data analytics, automation and business intelligence tools.
What skills are important for a Head of Finance IT?
Successful Heads of Finance IT require a combination of financial, technological and leadership skills. Strong knowledge of finance systems, data analytics, automation, ERP platforms and business intelligence is essential, alongside strategic thinking, project management, stakeholder management and the ability to translate business requirements into effective technology solutions.
What are the responsibilities of a Head of Finance IT?
Responsibilities include overseeing finance systems and technology, leading finance transformation and automation initiatives, managing ERP and reporting platforms, improving data integration and analytics, supporting budgeting, forecasting and consolidation processes, ensuring systems governance and security, and delivering technology solutions that improve financial and commercial performance.
What career progression is available for a Head of Finance IT?
Heads of Finance IT can progress into senior finance transformation, finance technology or IT leadership positions, such as Finance Transformation Director, Head of Finance Systems, Director of Finance IT, Finance Systems Director or Chief Information Officer. They may also progress into broader Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer roles where they have strong financial leadership experience.