At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve Finance Operations, focusing on Accounts Payable and service delivery.
- Company: Dynamic organisation undergoing change with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, above-market pension, holiday pay, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth during a transformative period.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving process improvements and developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Finance Operations and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview of the Role
The Finance Operations Improvement Lead will provide operational leadership and drive process improvements across Finance Operations during a period of organisational change.
Initially focused on Accounts Payable, you will stabilise operations, reduce backlogs, strengthen financial controls, and improve service delivery.
This hands on role combines operational management, continuous improvement, team development, and change leadership, helping to prepare the function for a smooth transition to a permanent Finance Operations Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the day-to-day operation of the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams
- Reduce transactional backlogs while ensuring business continuity and high service standards
- Resolve complex supplier queries and oversee timely, accurate supplier payments.
- Review and redesign finance processes to improve efficiency, controls, and customer service
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and consistent ways of working
- Identify opportunities for automation, digital improvement, and finance system optimisation
- Support, coach, and develop team members, promoting accountability and continuous improvement
- Establish, monitor, and report on key operational performance indicators, risks, and improvement initiatives
- Background and Education
- Significant experience leading Accounts Payable or Finance Operations within a complex organisation
- Proven track record of reducing operational backlogs, improving performance, and delivering sustainable process improvements.
- Strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay processes, financial controls, and operational best practices.
- Experience coaching and developing teams through periods of change.
- Excellent organisational, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong IT skills, including finance systems and Microsoft Excel.
Desirable
- Knowledge of ERP implementations, finance system optimisation, or continuous improvement processes
- Professional accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or substantial relevant operational experience
- Exceptional people management, communication and relationship building skills
- What’s on Offer
- 35 hour working week
- Hybrid Working
- Above market pension contribution and holiday pay
- Great team environment
- Opportunity to have impact
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Details:
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Operations Improvement Lead (6-9 Month Contract) in Aberdeen
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Operations Improvement Lead (6-9 Month Contract) in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
