At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance operations team and ensure smooth processes during a transition.
- Company: High-growth professional services organisation with exciting M&A activity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for long-term role, and impactful leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence change and work closely with an experienced Finance Director.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while shaping finance operations.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance operations experience and adaptability.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are working in partnership with a high-growth professional services organisation to appoint an Interim Head of Finance Operations. This role will provide leadership and stability during a period of transition, covering for a planned retirement and supporting the business through an ongoing finance restructure.
This is a six-month assignment initially, with the potential to move into a longer-term or permanent position as the business continues to evolve.
The Role
- Reporting to the Finance Director, you will take responsibility for overseeing the finance operations function, managing a team of 12, and ensuring continuity and efficiency across all processes during a period of change.
- Leading and managing a finance operations team of 12 (CC, AR, AP).
- Maintaining and improving day-to-day finance operations.
- Ensuring robust financial controls, processes, and reporting frameworks are in place.
- Supporting the Finance Director through an active restructuring programme.
- Building strong relationships across the finance function and wider business.
- Providing leadership and direction to ensure team cohesion and engagement.
The Business
The organisation has experienced significant growth, with approximately 30% year-on-year expansion driven by recent and planned M&A activity. This has created both opportunity and complexity within the finance function, and the business is now entering the next phase of its development. This role will be critical in supporting that transition and ensuring the finance operations function is aligned to future growth.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong finance operations experience and a proven track record of delivering in fast-paced, evolving environments.
- Experience in a senior finance operations or controllership role.
- Strong exposure to change, transformation or restructuring environments.
- A collaborative and adaptable style, with a cultural fit being key.
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a high-impact interim assignment within a growing and acquisitive business. There is scope to influence both process and structure, while working closely with an experienced Finance Director.
If you feel this is a good fit for you & you are available to start from June onwards, please reach out to Charles Maidment from the Hays Bristol & Bath interim & contracts team.
Head of Finance & Banking Operations - Interim in Bristol employer: Hays
Join a dynamic and high-growth professional services organisation as the Interim Head of Finance Operations, where you will play a pivotal role in leading a dedicated team through a transformative period. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this position offers not only competitive remuneration but also the chance to influence key financial processes and contribute to the company's ongoing success. Located in a thriving business environment, this role provides unique opportunities for career advancement and meaningful impact within a rapidly evolving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance & Banking Operations - Interim in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your leadership skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed teams through change. We want to hear about your experience with financial controls and how you’ve improved operations in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In a fast-paced environment, being flexible is key. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated restructuring or transformation projects in your previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Banking Operations - Interim in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your finance operations experience and any leadership roles you've had, as this is what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Interim Head of Finance Operations role. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and navigated change in previous positions.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Since we’re seeking a qualified accountant, don’t forget to mention your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications prominently. This will help us see that you have the necessary credentials right away!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our high-growth organisation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Finance Operations, it's crucial to brush up on your financial metrics and key performance indicators. Be prepared to discuss how you've improved financial processes in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to this position.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team of 12, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your collaborative approach and any specific strategies you've used to maintain team cohesion during transitions.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's recent growth and M&A activities. Demonstrating an understanding of how these factors impact finance operations will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker who can align finance with business goals.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the focus on restructuring, expect questions about your experience with change management. Prepare specific examples of how you've navigated similar situations, ensuring you emphasise your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
