Head of Financial Operations

HAYS Specialist Recruitment
Leeds, United Kingdom
Today
£75,000 – £85,000 pa

Salary

£75,000 – £85,000 pa

Seniority
Director
Posted
12 Oct 2026 (Today)

Your New Company

A highly successful and growing professional services organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Financial Operations to join its senior leadership team. With a strong reputation in its sector and ambitious plans for continued growth, the business is investing in its finance function to ensure it remains scalable, efficient and commercially focused.This people-centric organisation prides itself on providing exceptional service to its clients whilst fostering a collaborative and supportive working culture for its employees.

With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, accountability and development, the business offers an excellent environment for an experienced finance professional looking to make a significant impact.Operating a flexible hybrid working model, the company provides a modern and collaborative working environment along with an attractive benefits package.

Your New Role

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the business while driving a programme of continuous improvement, change and transformation across the finance function.You will take ownership of the transactional finance, management accounting and financial control functions, ensuring processes, systems and reporting frameworks are fit for purpose as the organisation continues to grow.Leading a high-performing finance team, you will be responsible for identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automate manual processes and enhance financial reporting through the effective use of technology and best practice. You will play a key role in delivering finance transformation initiatives, embedding improved controls and driving operational excellence across the function.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will provide financial leadership, oversee cash flow management, strengthen governance and support strategic decision-making through the delivery of timely and meaningful financial insight.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading and developing a multi-disciplinary finance team.
  • Overseeing month-end and year-end processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
  • Driving finance transformation initiatives focused on process optimisation, automation and continuous improvement.
  • Reviewing and enhancing financial controls, governance and risk management frameworks.
  • Identifying opportunities to leverage technology and systems to improve reporting and operational efficiency.
  • Managing cash flow, working capital and treasury activities.
  • Supporting budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning processes.
  • Partnering with operational leaders to improve commercial performance and business efficiency.
  • Leading change management activities and ensuring successful adoption of new ways of working across finance.
  • Supporting growth initiatives, acquisitions and integration projects where required.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused finance leader who enjoys leading people, driving change and transformation, and delivering operational excellence within a growing professional services organisation.

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
  • Proven experience within a senior finance leadership role such as Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Head of Financial Operations.
  • Strong technical accounting and financial control expertise.
  • Demonstrable experience leading and developing successful finance teams.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
  • Strong understanding of financial systems, processes and controls.
  • Experience improving finance operations within a growing and evolving organisation.
  • Commercial awareness with the ability to provide strategic financial insight.
  • A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with strong organisational and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrable experience leading finance change, transformation or continuous improvement programmes.
  • Experience implementing process improvements, automation initiatives or finance systems enhancements.
  • Strong project management and change leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • A track record of modernising finance functions and driving operational efficiency within a growing organisation.

What You'll Get in Return

  • Opportunity to join a well-established and growing professional services business.
  • A high-profile leadership position with significant influence across the organisation.
  • Exposure to strategic decision-making and business growth initiatives.
  • A supportive and collaborative working culture.
  • Salary up to £85,000 plus discretionary bonus.
  • Hybrid working, with four days in the office and one day working from home.
  • 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • 7% employer pension contribution.
  • Birthday off.
  • Additional wellbeing day.

What You Need to Do Now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now for a confidential discussion.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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