Lead Analyst

Reporting to the Director, Finance Systems and ERP, the Lead Analyst, Finance Systems plays a critical role in ensuring the effective operation, governance, continuous improvement and strategic development of Finance Systems processes across National Grid. This role combines process ownership, systems expertise, stakeholder management and operational delivery to support the Finance function in meeting its financial, reporting, regulatory and business objectives.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted partner to Finance, Controllership, Accounting Operations, Reporting, Business Partnering and Technology teams, leading the ongoing system support and maintenance of Finance Systems processes, master data and controls. The role requires an individual who can work independently, take ownership of complex challenges, influence stakeholders and drive outcomes, while collaborating effectively across a diverse team environment.

The Finance Systems team supports a broad range of activities including master data management, financial systems operations, close support, process governance, compliance, system enhancements, business change, and finance transformation initiatives. The Lead Analyst will be expected to champion continuous improvement, simplify processes, enhance controls and ensure Finance Systems continue to meet the evolving needs of the business.

This role requires a highly adaptable and flexible individual who is committed to continuous learning and able to support critical business cycles, including month-end, quarter-end and year-end close activities.

Finance Systems Process Ownership

• Own and lead assigned Finance Systems processes, ensuring they are effective, controlled, compliant and aligned with business requirements.
• Act as the process lead and subject matter expert for SAP Finance processes, master data and related Finance Systems activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance process efficiency, data quality, user experience and control effectiveness.
• Evaluate business requirements and recommend solutions that leverage standard SAP functionality and industry best practices.
• Lead the development and maintenance of process documentation, operating procedures, controls and training materials.

Financial Close Ownership

• Own Finance Systems support for month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes, ensuring system activities, controls, validations and critical processing activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Lead the coordination of Financial close activities across Finance, Controllership and Technology teams in collaboration with the wider Finance Systems team
• Proactively identify, manage and resolve process, system and data issues that may impact financial reporting timelines or reporting accuracy.
• Ensure Finance Systems readiness during close periods through monitoring, governance, validation and issue management activities.

Master Data & Systems Governance

• Ensure adherence to National Grid accounting policies and regulatory standards in relation to SAP FICO code block structures, finance master data and related business processes.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy and consistency of Finance Systems master data across the organisation.
• Support organisational, reporting and structural changes through effective master data management and system configuration.
• Provide oversight for critical finance interfaces, batch processes, system monitoring and operational controls.
• Review, approve and implement master data and system change requests in line with governance standards.

Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Finance Business Partners, Controllership, Accounting Operations, Reporting teams and other stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop effective solutions.
• Build strong relationships across Finance and Technology functions to ensure effective collaboration and service delivery.
• Provide expert guidance to business users on Finance Systems functionality, processes, controls and data structures.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings and discussions to identify opportunities for process improvements and system enhancements.
• Deliver training, coaching and support to business users to increase capability and understanding of Finance Systems.
• Cross collaborate with the wider Finance Systems team via knowledge sharing sessions and training activities

Operational Support & Issue Resolution

• Lead investigation and resolution of complex Finance Systems incidents, system defects and process exceptions.
• Manage and prioritise support requests to ensure timely and effective resolution.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions to reduce recurring issues.
• Monitor system performance and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery.
• Support critical finance operational processes and activities to ensure stable and reliable system performance.

Continuous Improvement & Transformation

• Identify opportunities to automate, simplify and standardise finance processes and controls.
• Lead and support Finance Systems enhancement initiatives and technology upgrades.
• Participate in strategic finance transformation programmes and business change initiatives.
• Support the delivery of SAP S/4HANA transformation activities, including process design, testing, data readiness, business engagement and transition planning.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices to continually improve Finance Systems capabilities.

Team Contribution & Leadership

• Demonstrate leadership through ownership, accountability and proactive problem-solving.
• Share knowledge and develop broader team capability through mentoring, coaching and collaboration.
• Support colleagues across the Finance Systems team to ensure continuity of critical business processes and service delivery.
• Maintain a flexible and adaptable approach, providing support during peak periods and evolving business priorities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning and operational excellence.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Ensure Finance Systems processes operate in compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, regulatory obligations and company policies.
• Support internal and external audit activities and respond to requests relating to Finance Systems processes, master data and controls.
• Review and strengthen process controls to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Support SOX compliance, control testing, remediation activities and governance initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is maintained to support compliance and audit requirements.

What You'll Need

Essential:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, Business or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in Finance Systems, ERP, Finance Operations, Accounting or Information Technology roles.
• Strong experience working with large ERP platforms, including SAP ECC, with exposure to SAP S/4HANA desirable.
• Strong understanding of finance processes, accounting principles, financial reporting and master data management.
• Experience supporting month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial close activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and drive business outcomes across functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex issues and identify practical solutions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable:

• Understanding of US GAAP, IFRS, FERC, SOX and financial control frameworks.
• Experience supporting finance transformation, ERP implementation or system upgrade projects.
• Knowledge of audit, compliance, risk management and governance processes.
• Experience within a regulated or utilities environment.
• Familiarity with process automation, continuous improvement methodologies and emerging finance technologies.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

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