The Role
As a Finance Systems Accountant, lead system enhancements, deliver finance projects, optimize Workday functionality, and engage stakeholders for improved finance practices.
Summary Generated by Built In
Join one of the UK’s largest electrical wholesalers as we reimagine our technology for the digital age. We’re modernising our legacy systems and building new platforms powered by AWS and AI — and we need creative minds to help us shape the future!
Life as a Systems Accountant at CEF (City Electrical Factors):
Join us on our exciting transformation journey at City Electrical Factors (CEF), where you’ll play a leading role in shaping and improving our finance systems. As a Finance Systems Accountant, you’ll work at the heart of our Finance IT team, taking ownership of system enhancements and driving process improvements—particularly within our newly implemented Workday system.
Your role will span both Business-As-Usual (BAU) and key projects, giving you the opportunity to collaborate across departments, influence decisions, and help steer our financial systems into the future.
Your Objectives:
- System Enhancement & Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvements across finance processes and systems, with a focus on optimising Workday functionality.
- Project Delivery & Transformation: Lead the delivery of finance systems projects and support the continued rollout of Workday across global phases.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted link between Finance, IT, and third parties to ensure successful outcomes and alignment.
- Training & Mentorship: Build user confidence and engagement through regular training, user groups, and clear documentation.
- Governance & Support: Ensure robust support and best-practice governance for Finance IT operations and business-as-usual needs.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- ERP & Systems Expertise: You bring extensive experience with finance systems (ideally Workday) and a deep understanding of core finance processes.
- Project & Change Delivery: You've played a key role in ERP implementations, process improvements, and change delivery.
- Communication & Problem Solving: You’re an effective communicator who can confidently solve complex problems and influence key stakeholders.
- Analytical & Critical Thinking: You apply critical thinking and attention to detail to assess competing priorities and deliver practical solutions.
- Leadership & Autonomy: You’re self-motivated, proactive, and able to lead others while working independently.
Beneficial Skills and Experience:
- Workday-Specific Knowledge: Experience with Workday configuration, upgrades, and support is a strong plus.
- Financial Expertise: Knowledge of consolidation, intercompany accounting, and other finance functions enhances your impact.
- Technical & Analytical Tools: Proficiency in SQL, VBA, and advanced Excel strengthens your ability to solve system challenges.
Location:
- This role is based in our modern Durham – Janet Nash House or Kenilworth - Georgina Mackie House offices. We operate a hybrid model, typically 3 days per week on site, with flexibility around business needs. Travel to other business sites will also be required to meet business need.
Interview Process:
- Screening call with Talent Acquisition
- Microsoft Teams call with Finance Applications Team Lead and Finance Systems Accountant
- In Person Interview with Finance Applications Team Lead and IT Delivery Director
Package:
- Competitive Salary
- Annual IT Bonus scheme
- Company Pension Scheme
- Champion Health – a comprehensive physical, mental & financial wellbeing platform, offering bespoke content on all aspects of wellbeing & life including recipes, workouts, blogs and loads of other content for you.
- Light Up Learning - Our Learning & Development platform
- MySavings - Employee Discount Platform
- Free use of the state-of-the-art private gym at our IT Headquarters
About Us:
Founded in 1951 in Kenilworth, UK, City Electrical Factors (CEF) has grown into a world-leading electrical wholesale and manufacturing business with over 400 branches across the UK and a strong presence in the USA, Canada, Spain and Australia.
Our IT and digital teams are driving the next chapter of our journey... Re-engineering legacy systems, adopting modern cloud technologies and exploring AI to deliver faster, smarter and more connected customer experiences.
We’re a predominantly remote workforce with teams distributed across the UK, USA, Canada, Spain and Australia. Our culture is collaborative, forward-thinking and people-focused — where your ideas and contributions genuinely matter.
Our Mission:
City is a world leading electrical wholesale and manufacturing business providing electrical products to the industry. We in IT are delivering value to our business and our customers with the implementation of packaged software and bespoke engineering for the digital age using AWS serverless technology. We need talented and creative people across all areas to join us in rearchitecting our forward thinking business over the next few years and beyond as we evolve.
Find Out More:
Find Out More About Us | More about IT | Find your local branch | Find our Privacy Notice here
Ready to Apply?
If you’re excited by technology, value collaboration and want to make a genuine impact, we’d love to hear from you. Click Apply to get started!
Skills Required
- Extensive experience with finance systems, ideally Workday
- Experience with ERP implementations and process improvements
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in analytical and technical tools like SQL and Excel
- Financial expertise in consolidation and intercompany accounting
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The Company
What We Do
City Electrical Factors (CEF) is the largest distributor of electrical products in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1951, the company operates over 400 branches, providing a wide range of electrical, hardware, plumbing, and heating equipment to professional contractors and the public. They are known for their extensive product range, including cables, power tools, and renewable energy solutions like solar and EV charging equipment.
