At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global financial operations and drive process improvements across international teams.
- Company: Join Kennedys, a dynamic firm with a hybrid working culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations in a globally recognised firm.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and extensive experience in financial operations required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Global Financial Operations Director to lead financial operations across Kennedys' international business. The role is responsible for ensuring robust, efficient and compliant end‑to‑end financial processes across matter and client inception, billing, collections, accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking operations, client funds and financial systems. This individual will provide strategic leadership to global operational teams, drive process improvement and standardisation, and partner closely with finance and business leaders to support growth, service excellence and strong financial control across the firm.
Team Kennedys Finance supports the firm globally through the delivery of timely, accurate financial and management information, commercial insight, reporting solutions and operational support that underpin decision‑making across the business. The team plays a key role in enabling sustainable growth, improving performance and maintaining the high standard of service provided to the firm’s internal and external clients. The Finance function includes Financial Reporting, Tax, Treasury, Business Intelligence, Business Partnering and Analytics, Procurement, Finance Systems and Financial Operations, working in partnership with practice and business services leaders across the firm’s international network. Kennedys operates across the UK, EMEA, LATAM, APAC and the US, and this role will play a key part in delivering consistent, high‑quality financial operations across the firm’s international office network.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Operations Leadership: Lead and develop global financial operations teams, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of day‑to‑day services across all core transactional finance activities. Establish and embed best practice policies, controls and procedures across financial operations to support consistency, efficiency and compliance globally.
- Matter and Client Inception: Work closely with the Master Data Management team on client onboarding, matter setup and associated financial controls to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance. Partner with legal and business services teams to streamline and strengthen inception processes across the firm’s global operations.
- Billing & Collections: Oversee the end‑to‑end billing process, ensuring timely, accurate and commercially effective invoicing across all regions. Monitor accounts receivable performance and collections activity, implementing strategies to improve working capital and optimise cash flow.
- Accounts Payable & Banking: Oversee accounts payable, banking and payment approval processes, ensuring strong control, operational efficiency and effective supplier management.
- Client Funds & Compliance: Ensure the appropriate handling, monitoring and reconciliation of client funds in line with all regulatory and professional requirements. Maintain a robust internal control environment to safeguard client money and firm assets and support ongoing compliance.
- Financial Systems & Reporting: Contribute to the financial systems strategy, including system enhancements, integrations, automation and continuous process improvement. Provide leadership with accurate operational reporting, analysis and performance metrics to support decision‑making and drive improvement.
- Global Oversight & Collaboration: Drive consistency, control and compliance in financial operations across the firm’s international office network. Partner with finance, legal and business services leaders to support growth, operational excellence and a high‑quality client and colleague experience.
- Team Leadership: Lead a high‑performing, globally distributed team. Foster a culture of commercial excellence, innovation, collaboration and accountability.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and operational excellence
- Financial integrity and compliance focus
- Leadership and team development
- Process improvement and automation
- Strong stakeholder management
Required Experience
- Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA strongly preferred.
- Extensive experience in financial operations, ideally within an international law firm, insurance‑focused professional services business or other complex global partnership environment.
- Strong change leadership capability and a track record of delivering process improvement and operational transformation.
- Strong knowledge of billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, treasury, client funds management and financial systems.
- Proven experience leading cross‑functional teams across multiple jurisdictions and operating environments.
- Excellent analytical, communication and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Experience of financial systems implementation, optimisation and automation.
This is a developing role and this job description is not exhaustive. It may evolve in line with the objectives of the team and the wider priorities of the firm.
Global Finance Operations Leader — Hybrid Role employer: Kennedys
Kennedys is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth, Kennedys provides ample opportunities for professional development and leadership within its global finance operations team, ensuring that every member can contribute to and thrive in a collaborative environment dedicated to excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Finance Operations Leader — Hybrid Role
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in international firms. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kennedys and its financial operations. Understand their global presence and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead and improve financial operations. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Team Kennedys.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Finance Operations Leader — Hybrid Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Global Finance Operations Leader role. Highlight your leadership in financial operations and any process improvements you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and compliance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking abilities. We want to see how you've contributed to growth and service excellence in your past positions, especially in a global context.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys
✨Know Your Financial Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of financial operations, especially in areas like billing, accounts receivable, and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in these areas and any process improvements you've implemented.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading global teams and driving operational excellence. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
✨Understand the Company’s Global Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Kennedys' international operations and the unique challenges they face in different regions. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role's global impact and how you can contribute to consistent, high-quality financial operations.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would engage with senior stakeholders across various functions. Have examples ready that showcase your strong communication and problem-solving skills, particularly in complex environments.
