Functional Analyst (ERP)

What will you be doing?

We are looking for you to become the expert! You will play a key role in developing our systems.

• Use your know-how to develop ERP Modules to assist the ERP Management team in the development and implementation of proposals for expanding and improving the use of the ERP. Your role will help us to drive out efficiencies from the system to meet the changing needs of shared service partners ensuring that any changes to legislation are reflected on the system as appropriate.

• Functionality related to the General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Bank Reconciliation, Planner and Fixed Assets modules of Unit4 Business World ERP and connected systems. However, we welcome experience in other ERP modules too.

• Test the system, make sure it works and meets our needs - coordinate and undertake comprehensive and rigorous testing across these ERP modules for all developments, upgrades, and patches including preparation and maintenance of test plans to ensure the success of upgrades.

• Problem-solve for us, giving the business advice, guidance, and support. Provide expert support with complex queries and issues raised by ERP users. Act as a subject matter expert to ERP users to ensure understanding and to diagnose and resolve queries and issues in a timely manner, escalating any issues for resolution to meet tight timescales.

• Work collaboratively with shared service partners across the ERP and related business systems on projects to develop and improve the system to ensure project success across all modules and to minimise the impact of changes to users, e.g., projects of shared service partners and internal ‘Roadmap’ developments such as enhancing and expanding self-service or introducing new functionality.

• Bring out the best in the team - provide advice and training to less experienced team members as required. Take a lead role to ensure development, maintenance and QA work is identified and carried out within appropriate timescales. Deputise for the ERP Management team as required.

• Help our users get the most out of the systems - identify training needs, design, and maintain user manuals, training materials and programmes for ERP modules. Deliver and evaluate training to users when required.

• Being a proactive thinker, do-er and challenger, so that we can do our best work.

About you

You will need: 

• Natural openness, curiosity, and optimism.

• Understanding of and interest in how IT applications, particularly databases work.

• Expert knowledge of ERP systems to be able to support the needs of ERP system users across shared service partners. Again, we are open to experience of other complex systems.

• Ability to continually learn and develop skills to ensure that the system is kept up to date with functional developments and in line with service and strategic requirements.

• In depth understanding of the requirements of these functional areas and how they translate into system requirements, best practice and exploiting functionality to best meet service and improvement priorities.

• Experience of using reporting tools and knowledge of the inter-relation of data sets when reporting across an integrated ERP system to create and maintain reports which meet service requirements and can be interpreted correctly without compromising the integrity or security of the data.

• Proficient with Office applications to produce system documentation and presentations.

• Proven ability to manipulate data in Excel and to analyse results and output.

• Effective interpersonal skills - able to communicate at all levels including ability to explain and present technical information or solutions in a format and language suitable for both non-technical and professional system users and managers.

• Translate legislation, user requirements, issues or errors raised into technical specifications, incidents or change requests.

• Ability to analyse errors, issues and changes raised in relation to the system and implement effective solutions to these in a timely manner.

• Ability to analyse data and system performance to identify errors and omissions.

• Ability to proactively consider possible business scenarios and the implications of a system fix or enhancement and ensure these are fully documented and tested to be able to identify anomalies and potential issues.

• Able to prioritise work in a time pressured environment, managing conflicting requirements and resource constraints across the team and shared service, whilst managing expectations openly, fairly, and effectively.

• Proven customer service skills to support users and understand customer needs.

• Able to work independently and take appropriate actions without direction or instruction from others.

• To present a reasoned and rational argument, to influence managers and colleagues to consider options and risks.

Is this you? If so, we’d like to hear from you. 

Our benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days annual leave per year, 29 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
• Cycle to Work scheme. 
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Car Lease scheme
• Payment of professional subscription / membership - If your job description requires that you are registered with or are a member of a professional body, WNC will pay for your professional subscription or membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
• Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
• Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

About us

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.  

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. 

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU 

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.