At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive transformation in a growing professional services organisation.
- Company: Join a successful firm known for its collaborative culture and commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while enjoying a flexible and dynamic workplace.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
- Full time
- Industry: Accountancy Firms / Senior Finance Qualified
- Company: Hays
Consultant: Laura Hawksworth Hays office: com Your New Company A highly successful and growing professional services organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Financial Operations to join its senior leadership team.
With a strong reputation in its sector and ambitious plans for continued growth, the business is investing in its finance function to ensure it remains scalable, efficient and commercially focused.
This people-centric organisation prides itself on providing exceptional service to its clients whilst fostering a collaborative and supportive working culture for its employees.
With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, accountability and development, the business offers an excellent environment for an experienced finance professional looking to make a significant impact.
Operating a flexible hybrid working model, the company provides a modern and collaborative working environment along with an attractive benefits package.
Your New Role Reporting to the Finance Director, you will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the business while driving a programme of continuous improvement, change and transformation across the finance function.
You will take ownership of the transactional finance, management accounting and financial control functions, ensuring processes, systems and reporting frameworks are fit for purpose as the organisation continues to grow.
Leading a high-performing finance team, you will be responsible for identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automate manual processes and enhance financial reporting through the effective use of technology and best practice.
You will play a key role in delivering finance transformation initiatives, embedding improved controls and driving operational excellence across the function.
Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will provide financial leadership, oversee cash flow management, strengthen governance and support strategic decision-making through the delivery of timely and meaningful financial insight.
Overseeing month-end and year-end processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
Driving finance transformation initiatives focused on process optimisation, automation and continuous improvement.
Reviewing and enhancing financial controls, governance and risk management frameworks.
Supporting budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning processes.
Partnering with operational leaders to improve commercial performance and business efficiency.
Supporting growth initiatives, acquisitions and integration projects where required.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused finance leader who enjoys leading people, driving change and transformation, and delivering operational excellence within a growing professional services organisation.
What You'll Need to Succeed Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
Proven experience within a senior finance leadership role such as Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Head of Financial Operations.
Strong technical accounting and financial control expertise.
Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
Strong understanding of financial systems, processes and controls.
Commercial awareness with the ability to provide strategic financial insight.
Demonstrable experience leading finance change, transformation or continuous improvement programmes.
Strong project management and change leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
What You'll Get in Return Opportunity to join a well-established and growing professional services business.
Exposure to strategic decision-making and business growth initiatives.
A supportive and collaborative working culture.
Salary up to 85,000 plus discretionary bonus.
Hybrid working, with four days in the office and one day working from home.26 days holiday plus bank holidays.7% employer pension contribution.
Birthday off.
Financial Operations Executive in Leeds employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Operations Executive in Leeds
✨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 Hays. 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 Financial Operations Executive in Leeds
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 Hays.
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 Hays'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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays 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 Hays 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.
