Senior Finance Manager – Financial Close Transformation
Liverpool | 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover) | £75,000 | Hybrid
You’ve run a month-end close in SAP. Now lead the change that makes it better.
We’re working with a global biotech organisation that is bringing its regional finance teams into one centralised close function. They need an experienced finance manager to lead it.
This is a leadership role, not a consultancy project. You’ll manage a team of 8 assistant accountants and run the close day to day. At the same time, you’ll take forward a transformation that is already well under way: one team, one standard process, one SAP close.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading and developing a team of 8 assistant accountants as they come together from regional teams into one central team
- Reviewing the different month-end close processes and SAP variants, and bringing them into one standard way of working
- Capturing and centralising process knowledge so the close is consistent, controlled and less reliant on individuals
- Bringing people with you: building engagement, handling resistance and making the change stick
- Working with Financial Controllers, AP, AR, Technology and global Finance (FP&A, Tax and Treasury)
- Tracking improvements in close timetable, controls and quality, and coordinating internal and external audit
What we’re looking for
- A senior finance manager, financial controller or close lead with hands-on SAP month-end close experience. You know how the close works in SAP because you’ve run it.
- Experience improving or standardising close processes, ideally bringing different teams or variants together
- At least 3 years managing finance teams, with the ability to motivate people through change
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders across a multinational or shared services environment
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or qualified by experience
- Pharma, life sciences or shared services experience is a plus, but not essential
Why this role?
- You inherit a live programme with clear direction, so you’re not starting from a blank page
- A visible, senior role in a global organisation, with real impact over 12 months
- A strong step up for a finance manager who wants transformation leadership on their CV