Finance Systems Analyst - Data Management; Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MKAA

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About the Role

The Finance and Business Services (FBS) function is looking to recruit a Finance Systems Analyst to support the Open University’s Finance and Business Services team.

This role is critical in ensuring the integrity and strategic alignment of finance master data across systems, with a strong emphasis on its integration with the centralized finance data warehouse. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and maintaining master data processes, enabling API-based connectivity between systems, and ensuring that data structures and flows support accurate reporting and business decision-making.

This is an exciting opportunity for a systems-focused finance professional who understands the importance of master data in driving operational efficiency, automation, and data-driven insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain processes for finance master data (GL accounts, cost centers, vendors, customers) across SAP S/4 HANA and integrated systems.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with governance standards.
• Manage and align master data structures with the centralized finance data warehouse to support accurate reporting and analytics.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure seamless data flow and consistency between systems.
• Enable and maintain API-based integrations between SAP and other platforms for efficient data exchange.
• Troubleshoot integration issues and implement improvements to enhance automation and efficiency.
• Develop and document end-to-end master data process flows that support operational and reporting requirements.
• Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation for system usage and data governance.
• Monitor data quality, manage metadata, and enforce governance policies to maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability.
• Implement controls and checks to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure master data readiness for month-end and year-end processes.
• Provide technical and functional support to finance teams during critical reporting cycles.
• Work closely with finance and IT teams to gather requirements, resolve issues, and deliver system enhancements.
• Act as a key contributor to the Finance and Business Services committee, offering insights and recommendations on master data and system improvements.
• Conduct user training sessions and create user-friendly guides for master data processes.
• Serve as a point of contact for queries related to finance systems and data integration.

About You

Essential criteria:

• Substantial practical experience with SAP S/4 HANA usage, particularly in FICA and master data modules.
• Proven ability to manage and maintain finance master data (e.g., GL accounts, cost centers, vendors, customers) across systems.
• Experience in data warehouse integration, ensuring master data consistency and alignment with reporting structures.
• Ability to design and document end-to-end process flows that ensure master data supports business operations and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with API-based integration to enable seamless data exchange between SAP and other platforms.
• Skilled in data governance, including data quality monitoring, metadata management, and documentation.
• Experience in supporting month-end and year-end processes, ensuring master data readiness and accuracy.
• Ability to collaborate with finance and IT teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to conduct user training and…