Senior Project Manager

About the Role:

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading complex financial projects from inception to completion. You will work closely with finance leadership, cross-functional teams, and external vendors to deliver solutions that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making across the client's financial operations. This role requires a blend of strong project management methodologies, deep financial acumen, and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of complex financial projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and budget.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis, risk assessments, and impact analyses for proposed projects.
• Oversee the implementation of new financial systems (e.g., ERP, budgeting, reporting tools) and upgrades, ensuring seamless integration and data integrity.
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships through regular communication, clear reporting, and effective expectation management with finance leadership, IT, operations, and external vendors.
• Ensure adherence to financial governance frameworks, compliance standards, and internal policies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, developing contingency plans to prevent financial setbacks and operational disruptions.
• Prepare and present project status reports, financial forecasts, and key performance indicators to senior management and steering committees.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within financial processes and systems.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Project Manager leading significant finance-related projects (e.g., ERP implementations, financial system upgrades, regulatory compliance projects, financial process optimisation).
• Strong understanding of financial principles, accounting standards, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrable experience working within high governance and compliance frameworks, particularly in a financial context.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile) and tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana).
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to financial detail.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite (especially advanced Excel).
• Relevant project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2) is highly desirable.