At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation and design a global operating model that drives efficiency.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on innovation and digital enablement in finance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Strong focus on continuous development and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming finance operations in a global setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance transformation and systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Can you turn finance vision into real-world delivery? Lead the design and execution of a global finance operating model that makes a difference. This person can be based in our London or Bath office on a hybrid working model.
About the Role
We’re transforming our global finance function to support growth, consistency and digital enablement, and this role is at the heart of that journey. Working closely with the Group Finance Director and CFO, you’ll lead both the design and delivery of our finance transformation agenda, while ensuring operational excellence across our global finance services. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery, influencing how finance operates across a complex, international organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and implement the global finance target operating model.
- Develop and deliver a clear, prioritised finance transformation roadmap.
- Balance quick wins with long‑term capability building.
- Translate transformation into sustainable operational improvements.
- Champion digital tools, automation and analytics to enhance finance capability.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lead end‑to‑end transformation delivery across processes, systems and organisation design.
- Partner with Finance and IT to align technology with business needs.
- Embed new ways of working and ensure strong adoption across global teams.
- 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 across finance.
- 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 key decision‑making at senior level.
Skills & 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).
- Experience in shared services or global process ownership models (desired).
- Background in professional services or construction environments (desired).
- Exposure to systems such as Agresso or Deltek Vision (desired).
- Strategic thinker who can translate 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 Measures
- Deliver a clearly defined and embedded global finance operating model.
- Improve consistency, governance and control across finance.
- Enable smarter decision‑making through enhanced systems and data.
- Build a sustainable transformation roadmap with measurable outcomes.
- Drive adoption of new processes, systems and ways of working globally.
Benefits
- Hybrid working arrangements; attractive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection; 10% car allowance; holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum; generous company pension scheme; flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans and corporate discounts; enhanced parenthood leave policies; 3 pm finish on the last Friday of the month; strong commitment to continuous development; entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions; comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities.
Head of Finance Transformation & Operations in Bath employer: Buro Happold
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and employee well-being, offering a hybrid working model from our vibrant London or Bath offices. As the Head of Finance Transformation & Operations, you'll not only lead transformative initiatives but also benefit from a comprehensive package that includes private medical insurance, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to your professional development. Experience a collaborative culture that values continuous improvement and empowers you to make a significant impact on our global finance function.
