At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations, shaping the business's growth and infrastructure.
- Company: Dynamic professional services firm with a strong reputation and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Market-leading package, flexible working hours, and work-from-home options.
- Other info: Great potential for career progression in a scaling environment.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal growth phase and influence key decisions at the leadership level.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Full Time, Permanent Hybrid Market leading package - flexible around working pattern/hours
About the Company
Our client is a scaling professional services business with a strong reputation for client delivery and a growing team across multiple service lines. Having built a solid platform of clients and revenue, the business is now entering its next phase of growth, investing in leadership, systems and infrastructure to support continued expansion. It has a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, with a leadership team that values autonomy, commercial thinking and people who are comfortable building things from the ground up.
The Role
This is a newly created, senior leadership role for a commercially astute finance and operations professional to join the business at a pivotal point in its growth. Reporting directly to the CEO/Managing Partner, the Head of Finance and Operations will take ownership of the finance function while also overseeing the wider operational infrastructure of the business, from systems and processes to people and premises. This is a broad, hands-on role suited to someone who wants genuine influence at the leadership table and the opportunity to shape how the business scales, rather than simply managing an existing function.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the finance function, including monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management
- Present financial performance and commentary to the leadership team and Board/Partners
- Own the annual budgeting and planning cycle, working closely with service line leads
- Oversee day-to-day operational infrastructure, including systems, supplier contracts, premises and office management
- Partner with the leadership team on commercial decisions, pricing and client profitability
- Lead a small finance and operations team
- Drive process improvement and technology adoption across finance and operations
- Ensure robust financial controls, risk management and compliance across the business
- Support HR and people operations processes in partnership with senior leadership
What You'll Need
Essential:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance leadership role
- Strong commercial acumen and comfort operating at leadership/Board level
- Experience building, leading and developing a small team
- A track record of improving systems, processes and financial controls
- Excellent communication skills, confident presenting to senior, non-finance stakeholders
Desirable:
- Experience in a scaling, high-growth or private equity-backed business
- Previous experience in a professional services environment
- Experience managing a broader operational remit beyond finance (HR, IT, facilities)
- Experience leading a systems implementation or major process change
Why Apply
- A genuinely broad, senior role with real influence at the leadership table, not just a finance function to manage
- The chance to shape the finance and operations infrastructure of a business during a key growth phase
- Direct exposure to the CEO/Managing Partner and wider leadership team
- Strong potential for career progression as the business continues to scale
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that rewards autonomy and commercial thinking
For more information on this role, or any other Accountancy and Finance position, please contact Gemma Murphy.
Skills: financial reporting
Benefits: Work From Home
Head of Finance and Operations (Permanent) in Belfast employer: Ocho
Join a dynamic and innovative digital consultancy that champions a remote-first work culture, offering exceptional benefits such as a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development. With a focus on quality and collaboration, you'll thrive in an environment that values your expertise and provides the autonomy to shape QA processes while working on complex, multi-component systems alongside a talented team in Northern Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Operations (Permanent) in Belfast
✨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 Ocho. 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 Head of Finance and Operations (Permanent) in Belfast
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 Ocho.
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 Ocho'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 Ocho
✨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 Ocho.
✨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 Ocho 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 Ocho 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.
