Finance is changing fast. It’s an increasingly technology-enabled function where successful professionals can make an impact across entire organisations. Roles are well-compensated, fast- paced, and diverse. They’re also in high demand. 92% of CFOs in the UK struggle to recruit the finance talent they need.
The rapid advance of finance systems and automation is streamlining processes and redefining responsibilities. Beyond technology, management roles within the sector also require a new approach to leadership. No matter which stage you’re at, you’ll need excellent attention to detail, critical thinking, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
This guide has been designed by industry experts and leading specialists to help you excel in a career in finance systems. We’ve taken knowledge gained from years of headhunting in the industry to map this thriving field, and provide crucial information for professionals at different stages of their journey.
Piers Reid Group CEO at Systems Accountants
Technology has fundamentally changed the way accounting operations are conducted. While finance functions were once concerned with bookkeeping and reporting, advances in software driven by data analytics – and increasingly emerging tech such as artificial intelligence and machine learning – have introduced digital systems that can track every transaction, and generate actionable insights from the data.
This is why finance systems professionals are in such high demand. They possess the expertise to implement, operate, and administer systems that form the cornerstone of their organisation.
Because these platforms often represent a business’s primary digital transformation initiative, finance systems experts are also valued as key drivers preparing it for the future. This makes it a dynamic and exciting career to enter. On offer are a range of benefits that make it an attractive choice for many professionals:
As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of securing skill sets in both finance and technology, individuals possessing a combination of both can also command a premium.
Finance systems professionals combine two in- demand skillsets: Accounting and software expertise. Other factors – such as experience and location – being equal, this dual value brings finance systems salaries above those of pure finance or IT roles.
Finance systems professionals can have an impact within the industry in multiple ways. The more technically minded can develop expertise in the systems’ back end, or in implementation. Those who find the accounting side fulfilling can leverage the software to increase their efficiency and accuracy, or drive continuous organisational improvements.
So critical is the role of the finance office and the technology underpinning it to modern business, the lights often need to stay on, even during challenging times. Finance systems roles can offer greater than average job security during periods of economic disruption.
While a balance of digital and accounting expertise forms the bedrock of most finance systems careers, there’s also scope for those who see themselves as leaders with strategic vision. Systems implementation is not only about efficiency gains but also empowers finance professionals to focus on higher-value activities like strategic planning, data-driven decision- making, and supporting business innovation.
There are three typical routes that can bring people to a career in finance systems.
The route into finance systems often begins with a foundation in accounting qualifications such as CIMA, ACA, ACCA or AAT. Professionals typically start their journey in roles like Financial Controllers, Auditors, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Management Accountants or Finance Operations.
However, the turning point often comes during digital transformations when individuals may find themselves seconded onto an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation or similar transformation initiative. This can open the individual to new roles such as Systems Accountants, Finance Systems Managers, or Finance Systems Analysts. The large consulting firms also offer experienced finance consultants and newly qualified ACA graduates a route into management consulting and finance transformation.
“These finance professionals can quickly become the subject matter experts within their organisation on the ERP or EPM technology,” says David Hammel, UK Managing Director of SystemsAccountants. “Their career might start in finance but soon they become the in-house ambassadors and finance systems owners where they develop incredible insight into how the business operates. It’s not just about developing their technical proficiency but also being a strong problem solver, strategic thinker and excellent communicator across Finance & IT functions which promotes stronger collaboration between the CFO and CIO”
“Finance professionals often experience a eureka moment when working on a technology or transformation project. They soon realise there is a different career
path open to them utilising both their Finance and Technology skill sets.”
David Hammel, UK Managing Director of SystemsAccountants.
Away from the numbers, individuals with a deep understanding of how ERP and Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) systems operate can also quickly climb the ladder given their enormous value to the finance office.
These digital technology career paths often start with the systems vendors themselves. Professionals progress through various stages, starting with implementation and system management, system maintenance, and project management. The most technically proficient individuals may eventually become solutions architects, creating bespoke digital solutions for clients. This requires a deep understanding of the technology and its potential, but also a strategic awareness that can fuse this technical knowledge with business objectives.
“Big software vendors also have graduate schemes, and will offer different kinds of fast-track careers, whether via IT, finance, or services,” says David Hammel. “They can quickly become subject matter experts, and even eventually evolve into implementation consultants. It starts with the technical skills, but there’s also a big emphasis on business-side skills, and soft skills, where an individual can lead an implementation and strike up a strong relationship with the customer.”
Management consulting firms assemble large teams with diverse skillsets to advise businesses on digital transformation. These teams are likely to include professionals from an accounting background, as well as technology specialists who advise their clients on how to implement systems to modernise their finance function and broader operations.
These management consultants’ careers will develop in different ways. Some will become senior at Big Four professional services firms and go on to lead teams driving massive enterprise-wide transformations. Others will take their expertise and pursue the contract route as independent consultants. A third group will leverage what they have learned in management consulting to work for the businesses that had previously been their clients as internal Heads of Finance Transformation or Heads of Finance Systems.
Careers in finance systems are ultimately built on a specialisation in at least one of two areas: Deep knowledge of the digital systems themselves, and accountancy. Beyond these building blocks, however, other strengths may be needed.
While not mandatory for every role, having some level of accounting knowledge is always beneficial, while for some roles accredited expertise are required. Even as the finance function adopts more strategic importance, it still needs to guarantee compliance and accuracy. “Whatever level you’re at you’ll need to understand the bookkeeping fundamentals,” says Vicki Wise, Head of Finance Systems at The Church of England. Even if you’re primarily focused on technology or strategy, understanding the financial purpose of the system can enhance your ability to extract its full potential.
“Being a Senior Finance Systems Consultant requires patience. Beyond day-to-day administration, you’re often engaged in changing a complex organisation. This means you’ll need to stay focused on the end goal while being willing to repeat yourself. This requires perseverance, and
a willingness to adapt to circumstances.”
Vicki Wise, Head Of Finance Systems at the Church Of England
Understanding the technology that underpins finance systems and synthesising this with accountancy principles is what defines professionals in this sector. This involves a deep understanding of EPM and ERP, data management skills, and staying current with system functionality and the latest releases. Platform-specific IT skills are integral to building the processes that make a financial system function. Often, more than one system will be in use, so proficiency with integration can also be an important responsibility.
David Hammel UK Managing Director at SystemsAccountants
Certain roles might be well-fitted to those who feel more comfortable working with the software:
Primarily focused on creating and modifying software applications related to finance. High emphasis on programming, project implementation, and technology.
Specialises in ERP systems integration, which requires a strong understanding of technology and how it applies to business processes.
Involves designing and developing complex financial systems, requiring deep technical knowledge, along with organisational and/or process design.
Involves a blend of finance process understanding with technical scripting like VB or SQL, application enhancement, and report writing.
Needs in-depth technical understanding of financial software, databases, and programming languages. Understanding the architecture of ERP systems, familiarity with databases like SQL, and proficiency in using financial modelling tools are vital.
Oversees and optimises the finance system, ensuring efficient functioning and compliance. Collaborate with finance and IT teams, road map strategy and troubleshoot issues.
“Accountants are by nature very good with numbers, but their interest in or abilities to articulate information and drive insight vary widely, as they do in other careers,” says Piers Reid. “Communication, presentation, and being able to articulate a message, often becomes important for people wishing to move up.”
As the resident expert, finance systems leaders have to synthesise multiple, often conflicting objectives. “You’re an anchor point for many different inputs,” Vicki Wise says, “so you need to interpret and deliver information in a way that’s digestible to different stakeholders.”
Leadership responsibilities often fall organically to finance systems professionals. There are two main reasons for this. First, their expertise is rare, and even when they are not technically in a leadership role they must identify pitfalls and design solutions proactively and independently. Secondly, the systems they oversee are often the spearhead of major transformation initiatives that require a strategic vision and appreciation of business goals to effectively realise.
“As finance systems professionals gain more experience they need to master interacting with people and leading teams,” says Mariana van Bloemvallei, Head of Financial Systems and Analytics at OCI N.V., an international chemicals company based in the Netherlands. “There are a few key qualities that must be developed here – a solution-orientated approach, an absence of ego, personnel management, and conflict resolution. Whether or not you perfect these skills will decide if you stay at a specialist level or elevate to a leadership position.”
Challenging the status quo and actively seeking systems and process improvements over time require strong people skills and the ability to win over stakeholders up and down the chain.
“We speak to senior people from all different types of backgrounds who have not specifically thought about the transition into finance transformation, yet they have the ideal skillset by experience. Some are becoming digital transformation experts with 20-25 years experience as a Financial Director or similar; they have that strategic mindset and operational knowledge to put to good use.”
Piers Reid, Group CEO at SystemsAccountants
While finance systems skills must be learned, the process of implementing and administering a system is highly practical and can’t be mastered academically. Those who have had opportunities to work both as end-users and as drivers of implementation are some of the most valuable assets for any business considering a digital transformation. “I recommend you actively seek out hands-on digital systems experience,” says Odette Jansen, EPM Lead at ITV. “You must have enthusiasm for the technology, be inquisitive, willing to iterate, and learn from those around you.”
The majority of large transformation projects, statistically, are likely to fail. Professionals with experience can better navigate pitfalls, troubleshoot
issues, and make informed decisions that will give their organisation a much better chance of success.
“Someone who is able to ask the right types of questions and explain it when you are putting business cases together will quickly advance their career,” says David Hammel. “A Finance Systems Administrator may be more support or user ticket focussed at first, learning the basics, but they can soon become systems champions, the EPM or ERP owner. Because of their end-user experience, they know the technology inside out but if they also have a curious mindset for continuous improvement and ask the ‘why’ they will be quickly known within the business as the go-to person, and that can lead into senior, more strategic digital finance systems roles.”
As a highly specialised recruiting & staffing consultancy, SystemsAccountants has been providing Financial Systems experts to organisations across the UK, USA and Europe for over 25 years. We’re a global leader, bridging the gap between Finance & IT to help companies run, scale, and grow through back-office operations and maximise their investments for Financial Systems, ERP, EPM, Analytics, Process Automation and Finance Transformation projects.
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