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- Tasks: Lead and improve a complex Finance Shared Services operation with hands-on management.
- Company: Join a well-known service sector business in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and potential for long-term contract.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for sustainable change and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming finance processes and leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in finance shared services and strong change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Nigel Wright Group are proud to be partnering with an instantly recognisable, Greater Manchester based, service sector business in their search for an interim Head of Finance Shared Services. The role will be for an initial period of 6 months with a strong chance of extending to 1 year plus.
Specific duties of the role include:
- Take ownership for the improvement and management of a complex Finance Shared Services operation with full accountability for performance.
- Professionalise a function to deliver improved structure, embed controls, processes and KPIs from the ground up.
- Hands-on leadership of a large team, with 4 direct finance reports and clear end-to-end ownership.
- Set the standard for “what good looks like” and drive it relentlessly across the business.
- Establish clear KPIs, service measures and expectations to remove ambiguity and lift delivery.
- Reset behaviours, accountability and mindset across underperforming teams.
- Challenge legacy processes and entrenched ways of working.
- Assist with the redesign of the target operating model as part of a wider Finance Shared Services transformation.
- Implement fit-for-purpose tools and workflows (e.g. ticketing systems) to support a high-volume environment.
- Develop and stretch finance team leaders — raising the bar on ownership, pace and performance.
- Drive collaboration across Shared Services and the wider business to improve outcomes.
- Deliver sustainable change in a fast-moving, high-pressure environment.
The successful candidate for this role will:
- Have proven experience in a leadership role within a finance shared service centre environment.
- Have prior experience of delivering improved financial controls, processes, systems within a SSC function.
- Be highly resilient, delivery driven with high levels of finance change experience.
- Be available at short notice and have the ability to commit for a long term contract.
- Have the ability to work on a hybrid basis of 3 days in the office and 2 from home.
Head of Shared Services employer: Nigel Wright Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Nigel Wright Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Shared Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Shared Services role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their current challenges in finance shared services and think about how you can bring your experience to the table. Tailor your examples to show how you've driven change and improved processes in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. Many companies prefer candidates who show initiative and interest by reaching out first, so don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your professionalism and keeps you top of mind. Mention something specific from the interview to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Shared Services position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Shared Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Shared Services role. Highlight your leadership experience in finance shared service centres and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and controls.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to showcase your hands-on leadership style and how you've driven change in previous positions. Be sure to mention your resilience and delivery-driven mindset!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with KPIs and performance management. We want to see how you've set standards and driven accountability in your teams, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge and metrics relevant to shared services. Be prepared to discuss specific KPIs and how you've improved financial controls in past roles. This shows you understand the core of the job and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves hands-on leadership, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Discuss your approach to developing team leaders and driving performance, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire a large team.
✨Challenge the Status Quo
Prepare to talk about times when you've successfully challenged legacy processes. Companies love candidates who can think outside the box and drive change, so have some concrete examples ready that highlight your ability to reset behaviours and improve outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires collaboration across various departments. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered teamwork in previous positions, especially in shared services. Highlight any tools or workflows you've implemented to enhance collaboration and efficiency.