At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop finance operations teams while driving continuous improvement and efficiency.
- Company: Respected higher education institution focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Join a transformative journey in finance and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Senior finance operations experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 67468 - 67468 £ per year.
Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Finance Operations to join the team.
Salary: £58,225 - £67,468 per annum (Grade 8)
Job Type/Hours: Permanent 35 hours per week
Location: Glasgow Hybrid 2 days a week in the office
About our client
Our client is a highly respected higher education institution operating in a complex, dynamic environment. They are committed to delivering excellence for all students. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the organisation is investing in modernising its finance function to ensure it remains efficient, resilient, and customer-focused. As part of an ambitious transformation journey, the finance team plays a vital role in supporting strategic decision-making, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
The Role:
Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic finance leader to oversee and develop core finance operational services across the organisation. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and forming part of the Finance Leadership Team, you will lead the delivery of efficient, compliant, and digitally enabled finance operations. This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role, responsible for driving continuous improvement, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring finance processes are integrated effectively across wider organisational systems and functions. You will lead operational finance teams covering payments, income, payroll support, cash management, treasury, expenses, and insurance administration, while championing automation and service excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop operational finance teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing across payments, income, cash management, and expenses
- Support payroll operations to ensure staff payments and associated activities are delivered accurately and on time
- Lead treasury and cash flow management activities to support financial sustainability
- Manage operational insurance arrangements, ensuring effective administration and value for money
- Build strong working relationships with stakeholders across Finance, HR, IT, Procurement, and wider professional services teams
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex operational finance issues
You:
- Significant experience within a senior finance operations role in a complex organisation
- Proven experience leading and developing operational finance teams
- Strong understanding of payroll, payments, income, cash management, and finance operations
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills
- Experience delivering process improvements and systems-enabled change initiatives
- Ability to design and implement efficient, well-controlled finance processes
- Experience within the higher education or public sector
- Experience in treasury management and insurance administration (desirable)
Benefits:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 35 days annual leave plus 11 statutory holidays
- Hybrid working environment
- Collaborative and forward-thinking working environment
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
To submit your CV for this exciting opportunity, please click Apply now!
Head of Finance Operations in Central employer: Elliot Marsh
Our client is an esteemed higher education institution in Glasgow, dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth through ongoing professional development and a supportive hybrid working environment, this organisation offers a rewarding opportunity for finance professionals to lead transformative initiatives while enjoying generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Operations in Central
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Elliot Marsh. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Operations in Central
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Elliot Marsh.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Elliot Marsh's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliot Marsh
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Elliot Marsh.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Elliot Marsh will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Elliot Marsh employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
