Job Description

ERP & Finance Solution Architect
Role Purpose:
The ERP & Finance Solution Architect is responsible for leading the functional, process, and platform-level evaluation of shortlisted SaaS ERP solutions. The role ensures that each candidate system can support the target finance operating model with minimal customisation, strong internal controls, and sustainable use by a lean finance function.
The role acts as the primary authority on finance-process fitness, translating business requirements into structured evaluation criteria, scripted demonstrations, and evidence-based scoring. The architect ensures that supplier claims are tested against realistic finance scenarios and statutory obligations.
Requirements
1. Functional Fit Assessment

• Lead assessment of candidate ERP platforms across end-to-end finance processes, including:

• General Ledger and period close

• Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable

• Fixed Assets and depreciation

• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting

• Evaluate the extent to which requirements are met through standard configuration rather than bespoke customisation

• Identify functional gaps, workarounds, and dependencies, and clearly document their impact

2. Controls, Auditability, and Compliance:

• Assess robustness of financial controls, including:

• Approval workflows and segregation of duties

• Audit trails and transaction traceability

• Period-close controls and adjustments

• Evaluate alignment with statutory reporting and audit expectations

• Confirm that controls are enforceable through system configuration rather than manual process

3. User-Journey Definition and Demonstrations

• Define scripted, end-to-end user journeys used in vendor demonstrations, covering:

• Period close

• Procure-to-pay

• Order-to-cash / receivables

• Fixed-asset lifecycle

• Budgeting and reporting

• Ensure demonstrations focus on:

• Realistic transaction scenarios

• Control points, approvals, and exception handling

• Quality, accuracy, and usability of reporting outputs

• Act as lead evaluator during demonstrations, probing depth rather than surface functionality

4. Platform Suitability and Configuration Strategy

• Assess how each ERP platform supports:

• Operation by a lean finance team

• Automation and reduction of manual effort

• Ongoing change without re-implementation

• Evaluate configuration versus customisation trade-offs and long-term maintainability

• Identify platform constraints affecting scalability or future operating change

5. Contribution to Implementation Feasibility

• Provide functional input into:

• Implementation approach and phasing

• Testing strategy (system testing, UAT, cutover readiness)

• User enablement and adoption risks

• Assess whether proposed designs can realistically be delivered within required timescales

• Flag functional or process risks that could threaten go-live or benefits realisation

6. Scoring, Evidence, and Governance

• Score candidate solutions objectively against agreed criteria and scoring anchors

• Ensure all scores are supported by demonstrable evidence

• Document assumptions, exclusions, and dependencies clearly

• Contribute to the System Selection Report with clear, defensible rationale

Key Deliverables

• Functional-fit assessment inputs and scored evaluation matrices

• Scripted demonstration scenarios

• Written assessment of controls, auditability, and reporting capability

• Configuration vs customisation analysis

• Contributions to the final System Selection Report

Required Skills and Experience
Essential

• Proven experience as an ERP Solution Architect or Finance Systems Lead

• Strong understanding of finance operations and statutory reporting

• Hands-on experience evaluating or implementing Tier-1 SaaS ERP platforms (e.g. Dynamics 365 Finance, SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, Oracle Fusion, Unit4 ERPx)

• Deep understanding of ERP configuration, controls, and audit trails

• Ability to translate business requirements into structured evaluation artefacts

Desirable

• Experience in public-sector or regulated environments

• Experience supporting formal procurement or system-selection exercises

• Familiarity with MEAT-aligned evaluation and scoring frameworks

Key Competencies and Behaviours

• Evidence-led and analytical

• Platform-agnostic and unbiased

• Detail-oriented with strong control awareness

• Clear communicator with senior stakeholders

• Governance-aware and audit-ready

Benefits

• Work on cutting-edge technologies and impactful projects.

• Opportunities for career growth and development.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Skills Required