Finance Systems & Reporting Specialist

Job description

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK , we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen. Finance Systems & Reporting Specialist FTC 12 Months - covering increased project work and planned leave Manchester £45,000 - £51,000 Working arrangements: Hybrid – two days a week in the office Help shape the future of finance systems, reporting and planning at AQA. Upon joining AQA, you will play a key role in enhancing the systems and reporting that support business decision-making across the organisation. Purpose of the role Reporting to the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, you will be responsible for the ongoing development, optimisation and support of our financial planning and reporting tools, helping colleagues access meaningful insights and improve financial performance. This is an exciting opportunity to combine finance, systems expertise and innovation, including the use of automation and AI-enabled solutions. Key responsibilities: - Supporting the day-to-day administration of Adaptive Planning and related financial reporting systems. - Maintaining system structures, models and hierarchies to ensure data quality and accuracy. - Supporting budgeting, forecasting, medium-term planning and month-end reporting processes. - Developing and enhancing dashboards, reports and visualisations that provide valuable business insight. - Working with finance and business stakeholders to translate requirements into practical system solutions. - Identifying opportunities for automation, process improvement and AI-enabled efficiencies. - Supporting continuous improvement projects and helping build internal systems capability. You'll thrive in this role if you have: - Experience administering, developing or supporting Workday Adaptive Planning or a similar enterprise planning system. - Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, financial planning or management reporting processes. - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with complex datasets. - Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, translating complex information into clear and accessible insights. What's in it for you? - Exposure to a broad range of finance and business stakeholders. - Opportunities to contribute to systems enhancements, automation initiatives and AI-enabled finance solutions. - A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working. - 25 days annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days. - Pension - is up to 11.5 percent employer pension contribution Diversity and Inclusion Statement At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy ensures that everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Application process Please apply by submitting a copy of your CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications will be 23:59 on Monday 7 September . Interviews will take place over two stages. The first stage will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, with the second stage being a face-to-face interview held in early September at our Manchester office. Reference code: #LI-LH1 Recruitment Agencies We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees. Full Job Description Summary Purpose: As the Finance Systems & Reporting Specialist within the Finance and Corporate Services (FCS) department, you will play a key role in ensuring the ongoing stability, development and optimisation of AQA's financial planning and reporting systems. You will provide specialist system support across budgeting, forecasting, month-end reporting and long-term financial planning processes. Working collaboratively across Finance and wider business teams, you will help maximise the value of our systems, improve reporting capabilities and identify opportunities to streamline processes through automation, technology and AI-enabled solutions.Landscape: Reporting to the FP&A Manager, the Finance Systems & Reporting Specialist will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, enhancement and optimisation of Adaptive Planning. The role will work closely with FP&A, Commercial Finance, Financial Control and wider business stakeholders across AQA, acting as a trusted partner to understand business requirements and translate these into practical system and reporting solutions. The postholder will act as the bridge between finance users and system capability, translating business needs into practical solutions. Activities: Own and support the day-to-day administration of the Adaptive Planning platform. Maintain system structures, models, assumptions, dimensions and hierarchies to ensure data integrity and accuracy. Support budgeting, forecasting, medium-term financial planning and Risks & Opportunities processes through system administration and reporting. Support month-end financial reporting processes and ensure timely delivery of key management information. Develop, maintain and enhance dashboards, reports and visualisations to provide meaningful business insights. Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate with external support partners where required. Partner with Finance stakeholders to gather requirements and translate business needs into system solutions. Lead and support system improvements, automation opportunities and process efficiencies across Finance. Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve data quality through technology-led solutions. Support knowledge transfer activities and documentation to strengthen internal capability and reduce key-person dependency. Contribute to business cases, financial modelling and analysis where system expertise is required. Support ad hoc projects and continuous improvement initiatives in line with the Finance vision and AQA strategy. Lead by example, demonstrating AQA values and behaviours at all times. Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to know): Demonstrable experience administering, developing or supporting Adaptive Planning (Workday Adaptive Planning) or similar enterprise planning systems. Strong understanding of FP&A processes including budgeting, forecasting and management reporting. Experience translating business requirements into system solutions. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with large and complex datasets. Experience developing dashboards, reports and visual storytelling techniques. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines. Continuous improvement mindset with an interest in automation, technology and AI-enabled finance processes. Experience working in a finance, FP&A, business systems or finance transformation environment. Desirable Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)