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 58225 - 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!
Locations
Head of Finance Operations in Glasgow, Scotland employer: Elliot Marsh
Our client is an esteemed higher education institution in Glasgow, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a strong commitment to employee development, they offer generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, 35 days of annual leave, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Joining this organisation means being part of a transformative journey that values strategic leadership and continuous improvement in finance operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Operations in Glasgow, Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their finance operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around operational finance and team leadership. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Operations in Glasgow, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in finance operations to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our client's mission of delivering excellence in higher education.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading operational finance teams, be sure to highlight your leadership style and any successful team initiatives you've spearheaded. We love seeing examples of collaboration and continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliot Marsh
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you’re not just a leader but also a strategic thinker.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience leading finance teams. Think of specific examples where you fostered collaboration and accountability. Highlighting your leadership style will help the interviewers see how you can fit into their culture of continuous improvement.
✨Understand Their Challenges
Research the higher education sector and the specific challenges faced by the institution. Be ready to discuss how your experience can help them modernise their finance function and improve operational efficiency. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, think about how you’ve built strong relationships in the past. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your communication skills and ability to manage complex operational issues. This will demonstrate your capability to navigate their organisational landscape.
