Head of Finance Data & Business Systems

Head of Finance Data & Business Systems

Lead the development and execution of plans for the Finance function’s digital, data, and systems transformation; that modernise financial processes, automate reporting and controls, and elevate Finance into a fully technology-enabled, insight-led organisation. Accountable for shaping Finance’s data ecosystem, driving adoption of new technologies, advancing automation, and enabling scalable, high‑quality financial systems that support strategic decision-making, making a significant impact on the Finance functions outcomes.

• Develop and execute plans to implement the finance digital transformation strategy for financial data quality, financial reporting automation, financial systems, and the adoption of new financial technologies that drive continuous improvement to realise the finance functions vision, making a significant impact on Finance function outcomes.
• Own and govern the Finance data framework, ensuring data quality, lineage, integrity, and consistent use across the organisation together with developing and embedding data standards, policies, and governance practices that enhance control, enable automation, and improve financial and operational insights.
• Lead the design and deployment of automation solutions (e.g., workflow automation, AI-enabled) to significantly reduce manual effort and improve reliability.
• Own the end-to-end development of automated reporting solutions, dashboards, and BI tools that deliver timely, accurate, and predictive financial insights.
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies and digital tools to improve reporting, planning, analysis, and financial control.
• Prioritise the roadmap of development of all Financial systems, automation, adoption of new technologies, and financial transformation activities, ensuring they drive measurable improvements and ensuring full compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory obligations to deliver a significant impact across the whole Finance function.
• Provide SME support as needed to the wider finance function during periods of peak activity or projects which relate to technologies, data and reporting.
• Act as a thought leader in finance data practices and technologies, maintaining up-to-date expertise on emerging trends and regulatory changes, and translating this into practical insights and improvements across the function.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across Finance and the wider business, leading clear, transparent communication and fostering a culture of cross-functional engagement, knowledge sharing, and alignment.
• Manage self and task: role model Arqiva's culture goals within the team, building respect and credibility; set a high performance bar and challenge the team to deliver sustainable results, by developing the skills and capabilities of the team and focusing on outcomes.
• Manage relationships and communications: connect, collaborate and lead communication transparently, balancing face to face and virtual, with stakeholders (including own team) to encourage cross-functional understanding, agreement and knowledge sharing.

• Accounting principles
• Finance Data, Processes and systems
• Financial and Data Analysis and insights including AI tools and technology advancements
• Financial Controls, compliance and risk
• Forecasting, planning and budgeting

• Significant experience leading Finance transformation, modernisation, or digitisation programmes in a large or complex organisation.
• Substantial experience in accounting, reporting and financial control or a related field.
• Management Reporting
• Risk and assurance
• Statutory and external financial reporting
• Auditing
• Financial Accounting
• Leadership and Management - management proficiency in influencing, analysis, decision making, empathy, communications, and adaptability.
• Extensive experience of executing digital, data and systems strategies, policies and frameworks for accounting, reporting and financial control
• Proven experience of creating value from improvements to accounting, reporting and financial control frameworks and policies in a large, complex organisation.

Fully qualified (or with equivalent experience) in a relevant accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) is advantageous.

Min Salary: £62,720
Max Salary: £94,080
Bonus: 15%