Head of Financial Accounting & Control - Finance Data & Business Systems

Head of Finance Data & Business Systems

Location

Commutable distance to London / Winchester

What’s in it for you

• Up to £94,000 
• 15% bonus 
• Work Life Smarter – our commitment to a flexible and hybrid working culture 
• Generous pension scheme starting at 6% rising to 10% 
• A unique wellbeing programme that looks after the whole you 
• Access to multiple learning platforms to support your individual development
• Active and diverse networks that build community, support wellbeing and advocate for change 
• A comprehensive set of benefits including discounts on big brands, gymflex memberships and paid volunteering leave - see our full list of benefits here.

Plus, you’ll play an integral role in protecting the commercial value of Arqiva’s sites - a critical part of how we deliver for our customers.

Purpose
Lead the development and execution of plans for the Finance function’s digital, data, and systems transformation; that modernise financial processes, automate reporting and controls, and elevate Finance into a fully technology-enabled, insight-led organisation.  Accountable for shaping Finance’s data ecosystem, driving adoption of new technologies, advancing automation, and enabling scalable, high‑quality financial systems that support strategic decision-making, making a significant impact on the Finance functions outcomes. 

Accountabilities 
• Develop and execute plans to implement the finance digital transformation strategy for financial data quality, financial reporting automation, financial systems, and the adoption of new financial technologies that drive continuous improvement to realise the finance functions vision, making a significant impact on Finance function outcomes. 
•  Own and govern the Finance data framework, ensuring data quality, lineage, integrity, and consistent use across the organisation together with developing and embedding data standards, policies, and governance practices that enhance control, enable automation, and improve financial and operational insights 
• Lead the design and deployment of automation solutions (e.g., workflow automation, AI-enabled, to significantly reduce manual effort and improve reliability 
• Own the end-to-end development of automated reporting solutions, dashboards, and BI tools that deliver timely, accurate, and predictive financial insights 
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies and digital tools to improve reporting, planning, analysis, and financial control 
• Prioritises the roadmap of development of all Financial systems, automation, adoption of new technologies, and financial transformation activities, ensuring they drive measurable improvements  and ensuring full compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory obligations to deliver a significant impact across the whole Finance function. 
• Provide SME support as needed to the wider finance function during periods of peak activity or projects which relate to technologies, data and reporting. 
• Act as a thought leader in finance data practices and technologies, maintaining up-to-date expertise on emerging trends and regulatory changes, and translating this into practical insights and improvements across the function. 
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across Finance and the wider business, leading clear, transparent communication and fostering a culture of cross-functional engagement, knowledge sharing, and alignment
• Manage self and task: role model Arqiva's culture goals within the team, building respect and credibility; set a high performance bar and challenge the team to deliver sustainable results, by developing the skills and capabilities of the team and focusing on outcomes 
• Manage relationships and communications: connect, collaborate and lead communication transparently, balancing face to face and virtual, with stakeholders (including own team) to encourage cross-functional understanding, agreement and knowledge sharing 

Skills
• Accounting principles 
• Finance Data, Processes and systems 
• Financial and Data Analysis and insights including AI tools and technology advancements 
• Financial Controls, compliance and risk 
• Forecasting, planning and budgeting 

Knowledge & Experience
•  Significant experience leading Finance transformation, modernisation, or digitisation programmes in a large or complex organisation. 
• Substantial experience in  accounting, reporting and financial control or a related field. 
• Management Reporting
• Risk and assurance 
• Statutory and external financial reporting 
• Auditing 
• Financial Accounting
• Leadership and Management - management proficiency in influencing, analysis, decision making, empathy, communications, and adaptability.
• Extensive experience of executing digital, data and systems strategies, policies and frameworks for accounting, reporting and financial control 
• Proven experience of creating value from improvements to accounting, reporting and financial control frameworks and policies in a large, complex organisation. 

Qualifications: Fully qualified (or with equivalent experience) in a relevant accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) is advantageous. 

Why Arqiva: 

We enable a switched-on world to flow. As the UK’s leader in TV and radio broadcast and the country’s top smart utilities platform, we are shaping the future of connectivity. 

Our infrastructure delivers media and data exactly where they’re needed - whether that’s bringing TV and radio to your home or sending smart meter data to your utility provider. Our technology works quietly behind the scenes, connecting millions every day. 

But it’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it. At Arqiva, you’ll find real connection: supportive teams, active colleague networks and plenty of ways to get involved and feel part of our community. We’ll give you the space and support to grow - whether that’s developing your skills, trying something new or taking on fresh challenges. And because there is more to life than work, our rewards and benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, your lifestyle and what matters most to you. 

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion  

At Arqiva, we’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we work hard to remove barriers so every colleague can thrive. If you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to [email protected]        

If this sounds like the right next step for you, we’d love to hear from you! 

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