At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop finance operations teams, ensuring efficient and compliant processes.
- Company: Respected higher education institution focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days leave, hybrid work, and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a transformative journey in finance and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior finance roles and strong leadership skills.
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 Head of Finance Operations opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now!
Head of Finance Operations in Scotland employer: Elliot Marsh
Our client is an esteemed higher education institution located in Glasgow, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that prioritises innovation and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from a generous 35 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong commitment to professional development, this organisation provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the finance sector, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Operations in 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 leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strategic thinker who can drive continuous improvement.
✨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 Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in finance operations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive continuous improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance Operations role. Share your passion for finance and how your background aligns with our client's commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading operational finance teams. We want to see examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 someone who understands the nitty-gritty of finance operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach, especially in developing operational finance teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration. This will help the interviewers see how you can lead their teams effectively.
✨Understand Their Transformation Journey
Research the organisation’s current finance transformation initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for modernising finance functions. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in their mission and can contribute to their strategic objectives.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, prepare to share examples of how you’ve built strong relationships across departments. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve managed complex operational issues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively within the organisation.
