SAP Functional Lead (Finance)

Salary details: £ - £

Shape the Future of Finance

Derbyshire County Council is delivering an ambitious digital transformation programme, including migration to SAP S/4HANA, expansion of SAP Fiori, cloud innovation, and modern finance processes that support effective decision-making across one of the UK's largest local authorities.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking SAP Finance (FICO) Lead to join our SAP Centre of Excellence and lead the transformation of our finance systems, processes, and user experience. This is more than a traditional SAP support role – it is an opportunity to shape the future of finance technology within a large and complex organisation.

You will combine deep SAP Finance expertise with strategic leadership, driving innovation across S/4HANA, Fiori user experiences, automation, analytics, and finance transformation initiatives.

About the Role

As SAP Finance Lead, you will be the Council's subject matter expert for SAP Finance solutions, responsible for the strategic direction, design, delivery, and continuous improvement of finance capabilities across:

• SAP S/4HANA Finance
• General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Asset Accounting and Treasury
• Cost Centre, Internal Order and Profitability Management
• Fiori Finance Applications and User Experience
• Integration with Procurement, Payroll, Budgeting and Corporate Systems

Working closely with Finance, Digital Services, Transformation teams, and external partners, you will identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve controls, increase automation, and enhance management information.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Transformation Leadership

• Lead finance workstreams across strategic SAP transformation programmes.
• Drive adoption of SAP S/4HANA best practice processes and standardisation.
• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes through automation and digital innovation.
• Champion continuous improvement and modern finance operating models.

SAP Solution Ownership

• Own the functional roadmap for SAP Finance capabilities.
• Design and oversee end-to-end SAP Finance solutions that meet business and statutory requirements.
• Ensure robust configuration, testing, deployment, and support arrangements.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of new SAP functionality and innovations.

Fiori and User Experience

• Drive the expansion of SAP Fiori applications across Finance services.
• Improve user experience through intuitive, role-based digital processes.
• Partner with Finance colleagues to increase self-service capability and productivity.

Business Partnering

• Build strong relationships with senior finance leaders and key stakeholders.
• Translate business requirements into scalable SAP solutions.
• Provide trusted advice on emerging SAP capabilities and finance technology trends.

Leadership and Governance

• Lead and develop a high-performing SAP Finance team.
• Work collaboratively with HR, Procurement, Technical, Reporting and Integration teams across the SAP Centre of Excellence.
• Ensure compliance with governance, security, audit and financial control requirements.
• Manage suppliers and implementation partners to achieve successful outcomes.

About You

You will be an experienced SAP professional who combines technical excellence with leadership, stakeholder engagement, and a passion for transformation.

Essential Experience

• Significant hands-on SAP Finance (FICO) experience within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of SAP S/4HANA Finance processes and architecture.
• Experience leading finance transformation or large SAP programmes.
• Expertise across core finance processes including GL, AP, AR, Asset Accounting, Cost Centre Accounting and Financial Reporting.
• Experience of SAP Fiori applications and modern user experience design.
• Proven ability to engage senior stakeholders and influence strategic decisions.
• Strong team leadership and people development skills.

Desirable Experience

• SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).
• SAP BTP and finance innovation technologies.
• Public sector or local government experience.
• SAP certification in S/4HANA Finance.
• Experience working with cloud-based SAP environments such as SAP RISE.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working arrangements - working minimum 1 day per week in the office
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunity to lead major SAP transformation programmes.
• A collaborative SAP Centre of Excellence supporting innovation and continuous improvement.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on services delivered to residents across Derbyshire.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the next generation of finance systems within a modern SAP landscape. You'll be at the forefront of digital transformation, working with S/4HANA, Fiori, SAP Analytics Cloud, automation technologies and future SAP innovations while leading a talented team and influencing strategic decisions across the organisation.

Join us and help redefine how finance services are delivered through technology.

Provisional Interview Date: week commencing 17th August 2026

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be subject to service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.