Head of Data and System strategy

Job Profile: Head of Finance Systems & Data Management

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced visionary and pragmatic Head of Finance Systems & Data Management to lead the design and delivery of our Finance systems and data strategy. This is a senior leadership role that combines strategic vision with hands-on execution ensuring Finance has the right platforms governance and insights to operate effectively in a regulated technology environment.

The successful candidate will be accountable for Finances systems and data landscape driving improvements in efficiency compliance and insight generation. They will deliver both immediate tangible benefits and a longer-term roadmap to modernise Finances systems and data capabilities ensuring they are scalable audit-ready and aligned to the needs of a fast-evolving business.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Systems & Data Strategy

• Define and own the Finance systems and data strategy agenda ensuring alignment with CFO priorities and business strategy.

• Deliver a pragmatic roadmap that balances short-term improvements with longer-term transformation.

• Ensure Finance systems and processes are designed to meet regulatory statutory and management reporting requirements.

Systems & Data Ownership

• Act as Finances owner of ERP EPM consolidation and reporting tools partnering with IT and external vendors on design implementation and support.

• Implement a fit-for-purpose Finance data lake (unified integrated data platform) & governance framework to ensure accuracy integrity and control of financial data.

• Establish Finances single source of truth for reporting and analysis embedding robust integration and controls.

• Drive adoption of advanced analytics self-service reporting and AI/automation capabilities.

• Establish and own the finance data governance framework and act the Finance chief data officer (CDO)

Process & Control Improvement

• Redesign and simplify core Finance processes (e.g. fast close reporting planning revenue recognition reconciliations) to drive efficiency accuracy and compliance.

• Embed controls within systems and workflows to ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance (e.g. SOX IFRS 15 GDPR FCA/PRA obligations).

• Leverage automation and self-service tools to improve reporting efficiency and reduce manual effort.

Regulatory & Risk Management

• Ensure all Finance systems and data practices comply with regulatory and audit standards.

• Anticipate regulatory changes and ensure Finance systems and processes remain compliant.

• Oversee remediation and assurance activities where system or data issues impact compliance.

Stakeholder Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO and Finance leadership team on data systems and technology matters.

• Partner with business technology and external vendors to deliver sustainable solutions.

• Lead cultural change by building Finances data literacy and embedding new ways of working.

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record of leading Finance systems and data transformation ideally in a regulated technology or financial services environment.

• Hands-on experience implementing ERP/EPM systems (Microsoft D365 Workday SAP Oracle Anaplan etc.) and modern data/reporting platforms.

• Deep understanding of Finance operating models and processes (reporting planning tax treasury controls revenue recognition).

• Strong knowledge of Finance data governance master data management and reporting frameworks.

• Experience embedding regulatory compliance into Finance systems and processes (e.g. SOX IFRS 15 GDPR FCA/PRA requirements).

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence across CFO IT and business stakeholders.

• Experience balancing best in class ambitions with pragmatic execution in a resource-constrained environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Finance Accounting Business Technology or related field.

• Professional accounting qualification (ACCA CIMA CPA) or MBA is desirable but not essential.

• 12-15 years of progressive experience across Finance systems or transformation roles with demonstrable leadership at scale.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a strong delivery mindset.

• Strong effective communicator at executive and working levels

• Able to lead with gravitas and having the ability to influence a variety of stakeholders

• Able to simplify complexity and translate systems/data concepts into business impact.

• Pragmatic prioritising quick wins without losing sight of long-term goals.

• Collaborative leader who builds trust across Finance IT and the wider business.

• Resilient and adaptable able to operate effectively in a regulated fast-changing environment.

About FNZ

FNZ is committed to opening up wealth so that everyone everywhere can invest in their future on their terms. We know the foundation to do that already exists in the wealth management industry but complexity holds firms back.

We created wealths growth platform to help. We provide a global end-to-end wealth management platform that integrates modern technology with business and investment operations. All in a regulated financial institution.

We partner with the worlds leading financial institutions with over US$2.2 trillion in assets on platform (AoP).

Together with our clients we empower nearly 30 million people across all wealth segments to invest in their future.