IT Manager: Finance Systems

Finance IT Manager – Finance Systems & Applications Location: Johannesburg Working arrangement: Onsite Contract: Initial 3–6-month contract Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Finance IT Manager to lead the stability, development and delivery of critical Finance systems and technology initiatives. This is a technical applications and development leadership role, rather than a traditional financial management position. The successful candidate will manage a Finance IT development team, oversee business-critical Finance applications and lead complex systems projects involving multiple business areas, technical teams and external vendors. The role requires a strong background in Microsoft development technologies, SQL, ERP solutions, UiPath automation and Agile delivery, supported by experience within financial services or short-term insurance. Key Responsibilities Finance Systems Management * Ensure existing Finance systems remain stable, effective and available, with minimal and manageable downtime. * Oversee the support, maintenance and continuous improvement of Finance applications. * Manage system incidents, technical risks, defects and production issues. * Ensure compliance with technical, operational and administrative standards. * Monitor service levels and ensure agreed customer-service standards are maintained. Technology and Project Delivery * Lead the execution of Finance IT projects across multiple business areas and technical teams. * Manage the design, development, implementation and integration of new technology solutions. * Enhance or adapt existing systems to improve business efficiency and productivity. * Translate Finance and business requirements into practical technical solutions. * Define system requirements, operational processes, user interfaces and reporting outputs. * Present proposed solutions to Finance leaders, project sponsors and other stakeholders. * Ensure solutions are scalable, supportable and aligned with the broader Finance technology architecture. Development Team Leadership * Manage the Finance IT team’s workload, priorities, quality and delivery. * Allocate development work and provide clear direction regarding expected methods, processes and outcomes. * Facilitate Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including sprint planning and daily stand-ups. * Oversee code reviews, technical quality and development standards. * Track team capacity, delivery timelines and output. * Support team members in resolving complex technical and operational problems. * Create clear accountability and secure commitment to agreed deliverables. RPA and Automation * Maintain, support and enhance UiPath RPA solutions. * Identify opportunities to automate Finance processes and reduce manual effort. * Ensure automated solutions are reliable, controlled and aligned with business requirements. * Work with Finance stakeholders to assess and prioritise automation opportunities. Architecture, Integration and Vendor Management * Contribute to the development of a fit-for-purpose Finance systems architecture. * Ensure effective integration between Finance applications, ERP platforms, data environments and other enterprise systems. * Engage with technology vendors and implementation partners regarding new solutions. * Evaluate proposed technologies, products and services. * Manage vendor delivery, performance and alignment with technical and business requirements. * Conduct ongoing research into technologies and industry developments relevant to Finance systems. Governance and Reporting * Provide management reporting on project delivery, system performance, operational indicators, risks and outstanding issues. * Present achievements, challenges and recommendations to senior management. * Monitor variances against agreed standards and implement corrective action plans. * Ensure adherence to applicable policies, procedures, controls and governance requirements. * Identify and implement opportunities for continuous process improvement. * Participate in technology strategy, product development and policy initiatives. Minimum Qualifications * Relevant IT degree or equivalent qualification. Required Experience * 8–10 years’ experience in software development, systems development or enterprise applications. * At least 3 years’ experience managing a technical, development or applications team. * At least 1 year of practical UiPath experience. * Between 3 and 5 years’ ERP solution experience. * Practical experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment. * Experience managing complex systems projects across multiple teams and business areas. * Experience supporting business-critical Finance or enterprise applications. * Previous exposure to financial services, preferably short-term insurance. Technical Skills * Strong Microsoft .NET development knowledge. * Strong SQL and Microsoft SQL Server skills. * Understanding of software-development practices, code reviews and quality standards. * Experience with UiPath and robotic process automation. * Good understanding of ERP solutions. * Understanding of data integration, interfaces and data-warehousing tools. * Experience designing, enhancing and integrating enterprise applications. * Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. Insurance and Finance Knowledge The successful candidate should have a sound understanding of commercial and industrial short-term insurance, including: * Risk management * Underwriting * Claims processes * Reinsurance and treaties * Insurance terminology * Insurance products * Finance processes and reporting Datonomy Solutions (Pty) Ltd Recruiter