At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and drive improvements in a dynamic pension funds environment.
- Company: Join InvestAcc, an award-winning specialist in pension administration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with a focus on excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Shape operational processes and make a real impact in a respected financial services firm.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Contact Centre Perm Manchester | Hybrid – With travel to the Carlisle office. You must be eligible to work in the UK without the need for Sponsorship.
Lead Finance Operations at one of the UK's award-winning specialist pension providers. Project People is delighted to be partnering with InvestAcc Pension Administration, a market-leading, award-winning provider of SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pensions) and SSAS (Small Self-Administered Schemes), trusted by authorised financial advisers across the UK.
Due to continued growth, InvestAcc is looking to appoint a Head of Finance Operations from the Financial Services sector to lead a critical function responsible for delivering robust financial controls, operational excellence and outstanding customer outcomes. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance operations leader to shape and evolve a high-performing operational finance function within a regulated financial services environment with Contact Centre experience.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will provide strategic leadership across the SIPP Accounts, Property Accounts and Pension Scheme Finance teams, ensuring operational resilience, strong governance and scalable processes that support InvestAcc's continued growth. Working closely with Operations, Risk & Compliance, Corporate Finance, Change & IT, you'll play a pivotal role in driving operational improvements, strengthening financial controls and enhancing customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop multiple Finance Operations teams
- Drive operational excellence, efficiency and continuous improvement
- Own the operational finance control framework
- Ensure robust governance across payments, reconciliations, payroll and client money activities
- Deliver meaningful management information and operational reporting
- Lead automation and process improvement initiatives
- Manage operational risk, audit actions and control effectiveness
- Support the delivery of InvestAcc's long-term operational strategy
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with candidates who have:
- Significant experience leading Finance Operations, Financial Control or Operational Accounting functions within a regulated financial services environment
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, banking operations and operational risk
- Operations Experience within a Contact Centre
- Experience managing large operational teams and developing future leaders
- A proven track record of driving process improvements and operational transformation
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior level
- Experience using management information to improve operational performance
Desirable Experience
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent operational finance experience)
- SIPP, SSAS or wider pensions industry experience
- Knowledge of CASS and Client Money regulations
- Understanding of pension legislation and regulatory requirements
Why InvestAcc?
InvestAcc has built an outstanding reputation within the pensions industry through its specialist expertise, customer-first approach and commitment to excellence. This role offers the opportunity to:
- Join an award-winning financial services organisation
- Lead a business-critical function with genuine strategic influence
- Shape future operational processes and automation
- Develop high-performing teams
- Make a tangible impact within a growing, highly respected business
If you're an experienced Finance Operations leader looking to take on a strategic leadership role within a respected and growing financial services business, we'd love to hear from you.
Locations
Head of Operations (Pension Funds) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Project People
Project People is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee experience and professional growth, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact. Located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, we offer a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our commitment to developing talent ensures that employees have ample opportunities for advancement within a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Pension Funds) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 Project People. 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 Operations (Pension Funds) in Cheshire, Warrington
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 Project People.
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 Project People'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 Project People
✨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 Project People.
✨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 Project People 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 Project People 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.