Finance Operations Manager in Middlesbrough

Location: Hybrid/ Office based York

Salary: £50,244 gross per annum

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Applications close on Monday 24th August at 9am. Online interviews will take place w/c 31st August.

Benefits:

• A generous pension plan with USS
• Enhanced family leave benefits
• 31 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid work
• Employee Assistance Programme access
• Personal Financial Wellbeing advice access

The Role:

We're looking for a skilled and collaborative finance leader to oversee our finance operations, develop a high-performing team, and ensure the delivery of accurate, reliable and insightful financial information across the organisation. This is a key role within the finance function, combining hands-on operational leadership with strategic influence. You'll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, helping them understand financial performance, strengthening governance and controls, and driving improvements in processes, systems and ways of working.

What you need:

• Significant experience leading and managing a finance team within a complex and fast-changing environment.
• Strong track record of delivering accurate financial reporting and management accounts to challenging deadlines.
• Excellent knowledge of financial controls, governance, risk management and statutory compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting and leading external audit activities.
• Demonstrable success in developing, coaching and motivating teams to achieve high performance.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and provide clear, practical recommendations.
• Experience working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and building strong collaborative relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Experience improving finance systems, reporting processes or transformation initiatives would be advantageous.
• Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIMA) working towards qualification, or equivalent professional experience. AAT qualification or equivalent would also be welcomed.

What you'll do:

• Lead and develop the finance team, creating a positive, high-performing and customer-focused culture.
• Ensure the delivery of timely, accurate and meaningful financial reporting and management information to support decision-making across the organisation.
• Oversee cash management and cashflow activities, ensuring effective financial control and visibility.
• Provide expert financial advice and insight on performance trends, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, governance and compliance frameworks, ensuring the organisation meets all statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the preparation for external audits, working with colleagues and external partners to achieve efficient and successful audit outcomes.
• Drive improvements in finance processes, systems and reporting, helping the organisation make better use of data and technology.
• Work collaboratively with IT and operational teams to improve system integration, data quality and business processes.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities, helping ensure resources are aligned with organisational priorities.
• Equip managers and budget holders with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
• Lead financial governance learning and development initiatives across the organisation.
• Contribute to the delivery of financial strategy and support the achievement of organisational and commercial objectives.

What you'll get:

You'll have the opportunity to shape how finance supports the organisation, influence decision-making at all levels, and lead a team committed to delivering an excellent service. In return, you'll join a collaborative and values-driven organisation where your expertise, leadership and ideas will make a real difference.

If you're an experienced finance professional who combines strong operational leadership with a passion for developing people and improving processes, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply: If you have the skills and experience required for this role, please click on Apply today to be taken to our site to complete your application. Advance HE is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. No agencies please.