Exchequer and System Development Manager

Salary: Grade 7, £56,919 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: This is a fixed term contract for 18 months

Closing date: 10 November 2026

Are you an experienced finance transformation leader with a passion for improving services, systems and customer experience?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the transformation of Somerset Council’s transactional finance processes through the Building Better Finance programme, driving the development of modern financial systems, digital innovation and service process improvement across the organisation.

About the Role

As the Exchequer and System Development Manager, you will lead the development and improvement of the Council's financial processing and systems, helping to shape how key financial services operate across one of the largest local authorities in the country. Working with colleagues across Finance, ICT and wider Council services, you'll drive improvements across Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash and other financial transaction processes.

You'll help embed new ways of working, improve the use of technology and ensure financial processes are efficient, consistent and easy to use. Through better systems, data and service design, you'll support informed decision-making and help deliver high-quality services for customers and stakeholders.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Act as the link between Finance, operational services and future service design, helping to develop more efficient, sustainable and well-controlled ways of working.
• Identify opportunities to improve and simplify financial processes, strengthen controls and governance, and make better use of finance systems and related technologies.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues across Finance, Digital and Council services to understand business needs, influence change and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead the delivery of change initiatives, including implementation, training and ongoing support, helping teams adopt new ways of working and improve compliance with financial processes and controls.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience within financial transaction processing environments, including a strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Order-to-Cash (O2C) and related processes.
• Strong knowledge of finance systems, operational systems and the business processes that support them.
• Experience leading business change, transformation or service improvement initiatives from planning through to implementation and embedding change.
• The ability to analyse complex processes, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, influence others and work collaboratively across teams and services.
• A sound understanding of financial controls, governance and compliance requirements.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 33 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• If you currently work for Somerset Council and would like to consider this as a secondment opportunity, please speak to your manager before applying via our internal SuccessFactors careers page.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interviews are scheduled to take place between 17 – 24 November 2026.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Ben Bryant (Head of Corporate Finance) on ben.bryant@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: RP155 Exchequer and System Development Manager.pdf 

Ref: 1578/AMB