Financial Processing Manager (FTC) in Bedford

Financial Processing Manager (FTC) Salary: £57,090. Fixed term contract, full time 37.5hrs Location: Bedford, Hybrid We are partnering with a well-established organisation seeking an experienced Finance Operations Manager to lead a high-performing transactional finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and ensuring the smooth delivery of critical finance functions. You'll play a key role in driving operational excellence, maintaining strong financial controls, and supporting the wider business through accurate reporting and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a team responsible for payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable activities. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support colleague development through regular coaching, reviews, and feedback. Manage recruitment and succession planning within the finance operations team. Review reconciliations and financial records, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and appropriate control measures are maintained. Identify, escalate, and help mitigate financial and operational risks. Work closely with senior finance leaders to deliver accurate and timely monthly reporting. Oversee payroll processing, ensuring salaries, expenses, pensions, deductions, and statutory submissions are completed accurately and on schedule. Ensure supplier payments are processed correctly, authorised appropriately, and completed within agreed timescales. Oversee customer payment processing, account reconciliation, and debt management activities. Act as the key contact for audit-related enquiries across payroll and transactional finance functions. Ensure all regulatory returns are completed accurately and submitted within required deadlines. Maintain, review, and strengthen financial controls, policies, and business continuity arrangements. Drive efficiencies through process, system, and service improvements across the finance function.  About You: Previous experience managing and developing finance teams of 15+ within a busy and evolving environment. Strong understanding of transactional finance operations, financial controls, reporting, compliance, and audit requirements. Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels. Confident using financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a keen eye for detail. Commercially aware and able to balance operational priorities with wider business objectives. Proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing change. High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Public sector experience is desirable.  Additional Information Opportunity to lead a well-established finance operations function with visibility across the wider business. Collaborative environment where continuous improvement and innovation are encouraged. Professional development and career progression opportunities available. A recognised accountancy qualification would be advantageous, although candidates with equivalent experience will also be considered. Ideal for a finance professional looking to combine people leadership, operational management, and process improvement within a varied and impactful role.  If you are looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, lead a talented team, and drive meaningful improvements across a finance function, this could be the perfect next step in your career