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Finance Systems Analyst (SQL ERP Focus)

The National Centre For Social Research

Job Location:

London - UK

Yearly Salary: £ 50000 - 54000

Posted: 13 June 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 23 September 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Finance Systems Analyst (SQL / ERP Focus)
Up to 54000 (depending on experience)

London Hybrid

Full time Permanent

Role details

Location: London Harold Hill (Romford) Hybrid 2 days in the office 3 days from home
Reporting to: Head of Finance or Director of Finance and Chief Commercial Officer
Team: Finance & Business Services Finance

NatCen is looking for a Systems Accountant to support the maintenance development and optimisation of its finance systems ensuring they remain accurate reliable and fit for purpose. This is a hands-on systems role sitting at the intersection of Finance IT and operational users with responsibility for finance systems support process improvement automation and reporting development.

A major focus of the role is ownership of the purchase order system and its workflows together with SQL-based automation and finance systems improvement. The successful person will be comfortable working in the backend of finance systems troubleshooting issues maintaining documentation supporting users and identifying ways to reduce manual effort through system enhancement and automation.

This is not a pure management accounting role. It is best suited to someone who combines finance systems understanding with strong SQL capability logic attention to detail and a practical approach to solving problems. Experience of finance or ERP systems reporting controls and process improvement will be important and exposure to project-based or commercial environments may help someone get up to speed more quickly.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the maintenance administration and continuous improvement of NatCens finance systems so they remain accurate reliable and useful to the business.
Act as a key point of contact for finance systems queries supporting both finance and non-finance users and helping resolve issues in a timely practical way.
Own and manage the purchase order system including workflows approval hierarchies controls and improvements linked to finance policy and process efficiency.
Design develop and maintain SQL stored procedures views and scripts to automate financial processes including month-end data extraction uploads and reconciliations.
Support stronger reporting reconciliations analysis and data integrity through effective use of finance systems and backend data.
Work closely with Finance IT and wider stakeholders on system upgrades enhancements testing process improvement and future automation opportunities.

Skills Knowledge & Expertise

MS SQL experience (building bespoke stored procedures query optimisation data transformation) with the ability to work confidently with system data and reporting.
Good understanding of accounting principles financial processes controls and reporting requirements particularly around general ledger purchase order requirements month-end close
Experience of supporting maintaining implementing or upgrading finance or ERP systems.
Strong understanding of financial software and how systems support effective finance operations.
Experience of process improvement systems development and identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency.
Knowledge of data migration data validation and maintaining data integrity within finance systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues and identify practical solutions.
Able to produce and maintain clear system documentation guidance notes and user training materials.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with Finance IT and wider business stakeholders.
Well organised with the ability to manage priorities and respond effectively to changing business needs.

Job Benefits

Why join NatCen

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of finance systems improvement in a values-led organisation with real scope to strengthen controls streamline finance operations and improve how finance data is used across the business. It will suit someone who enjoys problem solving systems thinking and making processes work better.

Right to work in the UK

Unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. We welcome applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role and do not require sponsorship.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary and flexible hybrid working youll be joining the UKs largest independent social research organisation. Benefits include:

25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 30 days after 3 years
Flexible working
Generous pension scheme
Life insurance and health cash plan
Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
Career development and professional development support

About the National Centre for Social Research

At the National Centre for Social Research we believe social research has the power to make life better. By understanding peoples lives and views in depth we help ensure the public has a powerful voice in shaping services and policy. As an independent not-for-profit organisation we focus on high-quality research that works for society.

Our Values & Behaviours

We Are Curious

Uses data to improve field performance and delivery
Explores new approaches to workforce management

We Move with Purpose

Drives delivery against operational targets
Aligns workforce planning to demand

We Act with Integrity

Ensures fair and compliant field practices
Maintains quality and ethical standards

We are proud to say we are a Disability Confident Committed Employer so if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process please make us aware and we will endeavour to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.

Required Experience:

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