THE JOB AT A GLANCE
The Finance System Specialist is responsible for the efficient operation and administration of all Finance related system within the organization. This role focuses on ensuring system stability, availability, and performance, while also managing security, user access, and system configurations.
The Finance System Specialist will collaborate closely with various teams, including IT, Finance, and Operations, to support business processes and drive continuous improvement.
This individual will be part of the Finance team and will log helpdesk calls to internal IT team or external parties such as Microsoft. The financial systems include, but are not limited to, Microsoft D365 Finance and Operations, GRID, and EY’s IFRS17 Accelerator.
The Finance System Specialist will require business analytics skills and be responsible for finance data management including testing of the data quality, liaison with operational departments to ensure resolution and correction of incomplete data, updating and maintaining SQL queries used for data extraction and reconciliation of data to other Finance sources.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
- Manage the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the financial applications, as approved by the service provider and internal IT.
- Monitor system performance, identify issues, and implement corrective actions to optimize system efficiency.
- Apply updates, patches, and hotfixes to keep the system up-to-date as approved by services provider and IT.
- Log defects and provide feedback to the RMA Finance on issues and status updates
- Test and provide feedback of system issues to the systems and IT.
- Report on defects and ageing defects.
- Facilitate and assist with allocation the required licenses and Finance user applications and set-up.
- User Access and Security:
- Create and manage user accounts, roles, and security profiles within the financial systems.
- Ensure appropriate user access controls and permissions are in place, adhering to company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct periodic access reviews and audits to identify and address any security vulnerabilities.
- Provide user support and troubleshooting for access-related issues.
- System Configuration and Customization:
- Collaborate with functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into system configurations.
- Customize forms, workflows, and reports to meet specific business needs.
- Manage and maintain system integrations with external applications and third-party systems.
- Conduct testing and validation of system changes to ensure proper functionality and minimize disruptions.
- System Monitoring and Performance:
- Establish monitoring mechanisms to proactively identify performance bottlenecks and system errors.
- Analyse system logs, performance metrics, and user feedback to identify areas of improvement.
- Recommend and implement system enhancements and optimizations to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
- Issue Resolution and Support:
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for system-related issues, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and vendors.
- Investigate system errors, data discrepancies, and integration problems.
- Coordinate with external support teams for complex technical issues and incident resolution.
- Document and maintain knowledge base articles, system configurations, and standard operating procedures.
- Training and Documentation:
- Develop and deliver training materials and workshops to educate users on system functionalities, best practices, and new features that is approved by service providers and IT.
- Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including system configurations, processes, and guidelines.
- Provide guidance and support to end-users regarding system usage, data entry, and reporting.
- Continuous Improvement and initiatives:
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and enhanced system functionalities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system enhancements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Provide ad-hoc advisory for finance initiatives.
- First Line Support and Collaboration:
- Act as the first point of contact for end-users regarding system-related inquiries, issues, and requests.
- Provide timely and effective support by troubleshooting and resolving user-reported problems.
- Collaborate with functional teams and subject matter experts to identify and resolve system issues.
- Escalate complex or unresolved issues to service providers of D365 and Accelerator or appropriate technical resources for further investigation and resolution.
- Communicate effectively with service providers’ consultants, providing detailed information and documentation of issues for efficient problem resolution.
- Follow up with users to ensure their issues are resolved and provide status updates on escalated tickets.
- Maintain a positive and professional demeanour when interacting with end-users, fostering a customer-centric support environment.
- Interaction with Lifecycle Services (LCS) and Experience (beneficial)
- Interact with Microsoft Lifecycle Services (LCS) platform to manage system deployments, updates, and environment management.
- Utilize LCS tools and methodologies for system maintenance, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute system upgrades, patches, and deployments using LCS.
- Stay updated on the latest features, updates, and resources provided by LCS to optimize system administration processes.
- Prior experience with Microsoft Lifecycle Services (LCS) is highly desirable, demonstrating familiarity with its functionalities and best practices.
- Developing and managing business intelligence solutions for the organization
- Providing reports through office applications to improve business processes.
- Collaborating with team members for the purpose of collecting data
- Liaison with operational departments to ensure resolution and correction of incomplete data.
- Collaborating with IT and ensuring that data extractions are scheduled.
- Responsible for extracting data using SQL query language and ensuring that the queries are updated as business changes occur.
- Responsible for reconciling extracted data to other finance sources.
- Analysing business requirements and processes and recommending improvements to management.
- Identifying the development needs for the purpose of streamlining and improving the operations of the organization for efficiency and profitability
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE?
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance or related field Finance or IT equivalent experience.
- Proven experience as a system administrator &/or 5 years in similar role.
- Knowledge of D365 FnO system administration, EY IFRS 17 Accelerator, GRID, and GL related systems would be an advantage.
- Proficiency in system monitoring and performance tuning techniques.
- Proficiency with database management and reporting tools
- Proficiency in writing and updating of SQL queries.
- Experience in user access management.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated with a keen attention to detail.
- Relevant Microsoft certifications (e.g., MB-300, MB-500) would be an advantage.
- IT/Finance related technical certifications.
WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?
We offer great opportunities for personal and professional development in a stable company that’s 127 years strong. The role comes with a competitive salary package and various benefits. Flexible work arrangements (combination of remote and in the office). Furthermore, you will be a part of a dedicated group of colleagues who value teamwork and collaboration.
Turnaround time
The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. Kindly note that should you not receive a response within 21 days please consider your application unsuccessful.
Our Commitment to transformation:
In accordance with the employment equity plan of Rand Mutual Assurance and its employment equity goals and targets; preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.