Senior Product Support Analyst – Finance System

Bangor University

  • Wales
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 19 days ago
Located in North Wales only a stone’s throw from the Eryri national park, Bangor University is a long-established university with an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Product Owner to work on shaping a new implementation of Unit 4 Business World, a joint project with the Digital and Finance Services directorates. Following the project the Product Owner will retain a strategic lead over the U4BW system from within the Finance Services directorate.We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Finance System Product Owner to lead the strategic direction, new implementation, and continuous improvement of our financial systems and platforms (e.g. ERP, budgeting tools, procurement platforms). This temporary, full-time role acts as the bridge between Finance, Digital, and other business units to ensure that our finance systems support operational efficiency, compliance, and business growth.Candidates should have a postgraduate degree (or near completion) in a related subject (or equivalent) or significant relevant experience leading on ERP systems within a medium to large organisation. Appropriate training will be provided depending on ERP experience.The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post.This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through , there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview. The post benefits from being eligible to the nationally supported USS pension scheme and various other employee benefit schemes.Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, . However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 3832646.Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Susannah Neill, Business Applications Support Manager; e-mail Tel: +44 1248382492.Committed To Equal Opportunities.OverviewDigital Services is responsible for providing, developing and maintaining IT facilities and services across the University, supporting staff and students to use those facilities and services. Digital Services has a good reputation within the University, providing reliable and resilient infrastructure, services, applications and facilities. We pride ourselves on being helpful, friendly, and responsive to user needs. Digital Services comprises circa 100 staff with its IT responsibilities set in three main areas: Corporate Systems, Infrastructure and Client Services.Financial Services plays a critical role in supporting strategic decision-making across the University. They are responsible for financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements. By delivering accurate financial information and control, the service supports the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the University. The service includes operational processing in AP, AR, Payroll, Procurement and Pensions.The Product Owner translates financial and operational needs into system capabilities, manages backlogs and enhancements, oversees implementation projects, and ensures optimal performance and compliance of finance platforms. This role is critical in supporting financial operations, reporting, and digital transformation efforts.During the implementation phase the post holder will report to the the Head of Business Systems. On achieving business-as-usual the role holder will report to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and will work alongside Senior Finance Management.Purpose of the JobThe product owner for the university’s financial accounting system will shape the implementation of U4BW and thereafter own the internal product roadmap; shaping future direction by driving enhancements that align with institutional goals. The role holder will translate the financial requirements into actionable work packages to be actioned by Digital Services and external vendors. The role will act as a focal point for the Finance System within the Finance directorate prioritising improvements, championing U4BW and ensuring business processes are lean, fit for purpose and adhered to. The role holder will be responsible for the integration of systems, continual development of financial and management accounting reporting, and oversight and development of KPI’s to understand trends for future business strategy. This role will lead on training and ensure system roles are appropriate for the University.Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Own the finance ERP product lifecycle, from ideation through to implementation and enhancement.
  • Act as the voice of the customer (finance stakeholders, procurement, research finance, etc.) to define product features and backlog priorities.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to deliver ERP enhancements in line with agile methodologies.
  • Maintain a clear product roadmap, aligned with institutional strategies, compliance, and technological evolution.
  • Lead user story development, acceptance criteria definition, and backlog grooming.
  • Collaborate with Digital Services and system integrators to ensure successful delivery, integration, and support.
  • Oversee system configuration changes, upgrades, and testing cycles (UAT).
  • Monitor performance metrics and user feedback to drive continuous improvement.
  • Ensure data quality, governance, and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g. MEDR, HESA, HMRC etc).
  • Provide functional expertise on ERP modules including GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Procurement, and Budgeting.
  • Manage vendor relationships and licensing agreements in collaboration with Procurement.
  • Provide training and support to finance users and promote best practices.
  • Lead UAT (User Acceptance Testing) and ensure stakeholder alignment during go-lives and rollouts.
  • Monitor system performance and recommend optimisation initiatives.
  • Ensure solutions meet internal controls, audit, compliance, and data governance requirements.
The working hours of the post are between 36.25 and 48 hours per week, working between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. The post requires a willingness to work occasionally outside these hours (e.g. occasional weekend / evenings) to undertake work that cannot be undertaken during office hours (e.g. application upgrades) and on occasion undertake emergency work to solve a critical issue.Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
  • The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
  • The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves self and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
  • The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.
Person SpecificationQualifications/TrainingEssential
  • Postgraduate degree (or near completion) in a related subject (or equivalent) or significant relevant experience leading on ERP systems within a medium to large organisation.
Desirable
  • A formal accounting qualification (e.g. AAT).
  • Evidence of professional development.
Experience/KnowledgeEssential
  • Experience of finance best practice processes and ERP system functionality.
  • Experience delivering finance or enterprise systems projects.
  • Demonstrable ability to think around issues and look at the wider picture in order to provide solutions through a variety of problem-solving techniques.
Desirable
  • Experience of Finance in a higher education setting.
  • Knowledge of data governance and compliance frameworks.
  • Experience of using and specifying solutions using Unit 4 Business World ERP system or another ERP system (e.g. Oracle Finance, Workday, SAP etc).
  • Track record of managing stakeholder relationships across departments.
  • Strong understanding of finance principles and accounting.
  • Experience of working effectively within a team and collaborating with others to achieve a goal.
Skills/AbilitiesEssential
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to develop clear technical statements of work.
  • Excellent communication, prioritisation, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to work autonomously and influence without authority.
Desirable
  • Experience of developing reports and dashboards using Microsoft Power BI.
OtherEssential
  • Ability to work flexibly to meet project deadlines and support time-critical processes.
Desirable
  • The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh is desirable for this role. If applicants are not able to speak / write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.
GeneralThe University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture.We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

Bangor University