Head of Finance Shared Services
Head of Finance Shared Services

Head of Finance Shared Services

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
B

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a new finance shared services team, ensuring efficient service delivery and collaboration.
  • Company: Buro Happold is a global consultancy known for innovative solutions in the built environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working patterns and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative finance journey, driving efficiency and supporting a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA with experience in finance functions and stakeholder engagement.
  • Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We are recruiting for a Head of Finance Shared Services.This global finance role will lead the growth of a newly created finance shared services team, ensuring services to the business are delivered aligned with Service Level Agreements and targeted KPIs which are communicated to the Finance Directors in the regions.

The Role

The position requires broad financial and systems knowledge across accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial control, reporting, projects and intercompany.The role will be responsible for identifying efficiencies, implementing controls and leading the direction for the shared service team.It will include collaboration with other business operations departments (IT & HR), policy & procedure review, global alignment, communication with internal & external stakeholders, resourcing & prioritisation of the new services to be introduced to a shared services centre.

Responsibilities

  • Identification and implementation of transactional workflows being centralised.
  • Regional cost savings.
  • Improvement to efficiency, controls and supporting our regional finance teams.
  • Supporting the Director of Financial Accounting & Reporting and the CFO on making their vision for the ‘future of finance’ a reality.
  • To support and grow a high performing team, motivated to deliver high standards of service to the business.
  • Review of transactional processes across the business to identify and assess suitability to centralise into the shared service centre.
  • Create, communicate and implement new policies and procedures as required.
  • Identify system dependencies for maximum efficiency and engage with operational finance team for implementation.
  • Identify areas of improvement – Align to global risk matrix. Improvements include (not exclusive to) governance, controls, automation, efficiencies and supporting future growth.
  • Lead on global compliance lead initiatives.
  • Continually assess and refine SLAs with key stakeholders and report meaningful KPI’s to track progress, implementing improvements plans as necessary to drive delivery excellence.
  • Monitor KPIs with regular reporting and benchmarking.
  • Effectively manage and monitor the flow of work across the share service centre, re-planning and prioritising resources as necessary.
  • Cultivate an environment that encourages maximum productivity and service effectiveness, professional development, open communication, and teamwork.
  • Standardise and rationalise processes and ensure they are documented and satisfy the relevant financial control requirements, and ensure all owned processes have fully operating controls.
  • Ensure appropriate training and knowledge transfer occurs across all relevant business processes.
  • Manage relationships with internal stakeholders responsible for strategies, process consolidations, process improvements, system developments/implementations, and value-added initiatives.
  • Work closely with operational heads to align on cross-functional global projects.
  • Other ad hoc projects as required by the Finance Leadership team.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA.
  • Previous experience in a similar role and level.
  • Broad experience and knowledge of finance functions and experience with guiding and supporting strategic and tactical decision making.
  • Ability to actively engage stakeholders and staff to ensure processes are executed consistently.
  • Applied strategic thinking and complex problem solving.
  • Strong team player, yet comfortable to work autonomously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deal with finance and non-finance stakeholders.
  • Experience in communicating and influencing senior stakeholders.
  • Highly organised with the proven ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines.
  • Confident, proactive character, with the ability to take the lead in challenging situations; able to work unsupervised and use own initiative.
  • Positive and collaborative approach to support and grow the global Buro Happold business.
  • Resilient with excellent communication skills and demonstrable attention to detail.
  • Experience of professional services or the construction industry would be an advantage.
  • Experience of Unit4 accounting system would be useful but not essential.
  • Experience of Deltek Vantagepoint would be an advantage but not essential.
  • Creative thinker and problem solver – able to think strategically and also get into the detail.
  • A good communicator and influencer – able to foster an environment for learning and creativity by leading a newly established team and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
  • Is seen as a role model; strives to behave in a positive and inspiring manner at all times.
  • Develops and maintains internal and external networks and relationships. Is able to call upon a wide range of contacts; puts colleagues in touch with internal and external contacts.
  • Is able to secure other Buro Happold expertise/resources at the right time and can lead cross group meetings and events.
  • Develops an open relationship with the team to ensure they have support and direction needed to deliver goals.
  • Does not sit on problems, proactively seeks solutions.Through knowledge of their specialism minimises challenging circumstances for the team or motivates them to a solution in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Finds way of solving problems amicably by demonstrating a flexible and lateral approach to business and project situations avoiding confrontation and litigation.
  • Takes time to consider how their specialism can impact positively on the business.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual\’s flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us.Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another.Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.

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Head of Finance Shared Services employer: Buro Happold group.

Buro Happold is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for the Head of Finance Shared Services role. With a strong emphasis on professional development and flexibility, employees are encouraged to thrive in their careers while contributing to innovative projects that shape the built environment. The company values diversity and actively seeks to create a supportive environment where all voices are heard, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

Buro Happold group. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Shared Services

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in finance shared services. Understanding how companies are centralising their financial operations can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in shared services. Engaging with them can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that could help you land the job.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with KPIs and SLAs in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved efficiency and implemented controls in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams and fostered collaboration across departments. This will demonstrate your ability to cultivate a high-performing team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Shared Services

Financial Analysis
Service Level Agreement Management
Key Performance Indicator Monitoring
Process Improvement
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
Project Management
Policy Development
Risk Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Change Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Systems Knowledge (e.g., Unit4, Deltek Vantagepoint)
Governance and Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance shared services, focusing on your leadership roles and achievements in improving efficiency and implementing controls. Use specific examples that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for leading finance teams and your strategic vision for the future of finance. Mention how your qualifications (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) and experience make you a perfect fit for this role, and address how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Emphasise your ability to engage with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Finance Shared Services position.

Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills by including examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the complexities of the position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Buro Happold group.

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

As a Head of Finance Shared Services, it's crucial to demonstrate your broad financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with accounts payable, receivable, and financial control. Highlight specific examples where you've improved efficiency or implemented controls in previous roles.

✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders

This role requires strong communication skills, especially when dealing with finance and non-finance stakeholders. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms and be ready to share how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in past projects.

✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development

The ability to lead and grow a high-performing team is essential. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated teams to deliver high standards of service. Think about how you can foster an environment of open communication and professional development.

✨Prepare for Strategic Problem Solving

Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to share instances where you've identified areas for improvement and implemented solutions. Show how your creative thinking has led to successful outcomes in challenging situations.

Head of Finance Shared Services
Buro Happold group.
B
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