Finance Systems Lead

We are delighted to be partnering with Parkinson's UK on a significant finance recruitment campaign as the organisation enters the next stage of its multi-year modernisation programme. As part of this campaign, Parkinson's UK is seeking a Finance Systems Lead to play a central role in selecting and implementing a new finance system, with a planned go-live date of January 2028. This role will ideally start as soon as possible, although a January 2027 start can be accommodated for the right candidate.

Parkinson's UK funds vital research, campaigns for better care and provides support to people affected by Parkinson's. The charity is in a fortunate position within the sector, with secure funding and the ability to invest in its people, systems and longer-term ambitions in order to best support those affected by Parkinson's.

Following a major directorate restructure that began last year, the most substantial changes have already taken place. The focus is now on building a strong, collaborative finance team, improving systems and processes, and supporting the delivery of an ambitious five-year strategy.

This is an opportunity to join a supportive leadership team at a point when new colleagues will have a genuine say in how the finance function develops, without having to navigate the uncertainty of the initial restructure.

The Finance Systems Lead will take a leading role in the selection, design and implementation of a new core finance system, ensuring it meets the charity's financial, operational and reporting needs. With no system selected yet, there is considerable scope to influence the choice of technology and help determine how Finance operates in the future.

You'll work closely with colleagues across Finance, Digital and Technology, Procurement and an assigned Project Manager, alongside external implementation and technology assurance partners. This is a hands-on role combining finance systems expertise, project delivery and process improvement, with the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the organisation.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading Finance's involvement in the procurement, selection and implementation of a new core finance system, working towards a January 2028 go-live.
• Gathering and challenging requirements from across Finance and the wider organisation, ensuring the new system supports effective and streamlined processes.
• Taking ownership of developing a new chart of accounts that meets the charity's financial and reporting requirements.
• Leading the Finance workstream across system design, configuration, data migration, testing, training and implementation.
• Working closely with the implementation partner and internal Project Manager to manage delivery, resolve issues and ensure the system meets agreed requirements.
• Supporting the maintenance of existing finance systems during the transition, ensuring continuity of monthly reporting and other essential activities.
• Working with FP&A colleagues to improve budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting tools.
• Ensuring appropriate financial controls, compliance requirements and documentation are embedded in new systems and processes.
• Identifying opportunities for greater efficiency, automation and improved use of financial information across the organisation.

The ideal Finance Systems Lead will:

• Have significant experience of successfully implementing finance systems, ideally including involvement in system selection and procurement.
• Have a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial controls and reporting requirements, preferably including charity accounting.
• Be confident working with different finance systems and translating financial and operational requirements into effective system solutions.
• Have experience of data migration, system testing, process improvement and supporting colleagues through implementation and change.
• Be able to build effective relationships with finance colleagues, technology teams, external suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Have strong Excel and analytical skills, with an interest in digital tools, automation and improving financial reporting.
• Be proactive, organised and comfortable taking ownership of complex work in an environment where systems and processes are developing.
• Ideally be part-qualified or fully qualified in accountancy (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), although substantial relevant finance systems experience and a sound understanding of accounting will be considered in place of formal qualifications.

Parkinson's UK operates a hybrid working model, with two days per week required in the Central London offices.

Recruitment process

Altum Consulting is partnering with Parkinson's UK on this recruitment campaign.

Applications will be reviewed by Altum until 11 November 2026, with interviews at Parkinson's UK taking place thereafter. We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. We therefore encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible

The charity would ideally like someone to start as soon as possible, although a January 2027 start would be considered for the right candidate.

Our commitment to inclusion

Parkinson's UK and Altum Consulting are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We encourage applications from candidates who meet the core requirements, even if they do not meet every criterion. Flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments can be discussed throughout the recruitment process.