At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global finance transformation and optimise operations for smarter decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic international organisation focused on innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while driving impactful change across a global team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance transformation and systems.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the Role
Lead the design and delivery of a global finance operating model, embedding innovation, driving performance, and enabling smarter, data‑led decision‑making across a complex, international organisation. The Head of Finance Transformation & Operations works closely with the CFO and Group Finance Director to shape the future of the global finance function.
Key Responsibilities
- Transformation & Operating Model Design: Shape and implement the global finance target operating model, develop a clear, prioritised transformation roadmap, balance quick wins with long‑term capability building, and translate the roadmap into sustainable operational improvements.
- Digital, Systems & Data Excellence: Champion digital tools, automation and analytics; own and evolve the finance systems landscape (including ERP platforms); lead system implementations, upgrades and optimisation initiatives; improve data quality, reporting capability and insight delivery.
- Processes & Controls: Optimise core finance processes (R2R, P2P, O2C) to drive efficiency and scalability; strengthen governance, controls and audit readiness; embed best practice aligned to accounting standards and internal policy.
- Transformation & Change: Lead end‑to‑end transformation delivery across processes, systems and organisational design; partner with Finance and IT to align technology with business needs; embed new ways of working and ensure strong adoption across global teams.
- Operations & Projects: Provide leadership to Finance Project Delivery and Digital & Systems teams; oversee a portfolio of transformation and operational initiatives; balance delivery of strategic programmes with business‑as‑usual priorities; drive consistent, high‑quality project and change practices.
- Collaboration & Influence: Act as a trusted partner to the CFO and senior finance leadership; build strong relationships across Finance, IT, Operations and Commercial teams; communicate with clarity and influence decision‑making at senior level.
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
- Proven experience leading finance transformation and operating model design from strategy through to execution.
- Strong knowledge of finance operations, systems and control environments.
- Experience with ERP systems, finance platforms and digital tools (e.g. BI, automation).
- Track record of delivering complex transformation in global or matrixed organisations.
- Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma).
- Desirable: experience in shared services or global process ownership models; background in professional services or construction; exposure to Agresso or Deltek Vision.
Personal Qualities
- Strategic thinker who translates vision into practical delivery.
- Collaborative, people‑focused leader who builds high‑performing teams.
- Commercially aware and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
- Passionate about continuous improvement, innovation and digital adoption.
- Resilient, adaptable and confident influencing senior stakeholders.
Success Looks Like
- Delivery of a clearly defined and embedded global finance operating model.
- Improved consistency, governance and control across finance.
- Smarter decision‑making through enhanced systems and data.
- Brought a sustainable transformation roadmap with measurable outcomes.
- Global adoption of new processes, systems and ways of working.
Benefits
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Attractive salary and benefits package, including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and a generous company pension scheme.
- 10% car allowance and a flexible holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (excluding bank holidays).
- Flexible benefits such as cycle scheme, dental and optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans and corporate discounts.
- Enhanced parenthood leave policies and a 3pm finish on the last Friday of the month.
- Professional development opportunities and support for two memberships to professional bodies.
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities.
Head of Finance Transformation & Operations employer: Buro Happold Limited
As a leading global organisation, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters innovation and collaboration within our finance teams. Our hybrid working arrangements, competitive salary packages, and comprehensive benefits—including private medical insurance and generous parental leave—reflect our commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. Join us to shape the future of finance while enjoying a supportive work culture that values continuous improvement and offers ample opportunities for career advancement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Transformation & Operations
Finance Transformation
Operating Model Design
Digital Tools and Automation
ERP Systems
Data Analytics
Process Improvement Methodologies
Lean
