Job Description

About CEF:
CEF is a global electrical wholesaler, providing electrical products to people in the industry known for its extensive range of products and commitment to customer service. Founded in 1951 in the United Kingdom, it has since expanded to over 1,000 locations across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
We in IT are delivering value to our business and our customers with the innovative solutions that enable our business to better serve our customers today and in the future. We recognise that technology and data are at the forefront of this. 
Our Global IT team deliver a portfolio of transformative work, expand our digital options, upgrade and future-proof our systems to place us at the forefront of the marketplace.  To do this, we need talented and creative people across all areas to join us in delivering our evolution to enable our forward-thinking business over the next few years and beyond, and this is where you come in... 
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