At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Financial Services Team and enhance finance operations across the organisation.
- Company: Respected academic institution with a forward-looking finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and free gym membership.
- Other info: Promotes equality and diversity, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and develop your leadership career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant status and strong experience in transactional finance operations.
The predicted salary is between 53188 - 68063 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly organised and driven Financial Operations Manager to lead our Financial Services Team and play a key role in delivering efficient, high-quality finance operations across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a senior leadership role where you can shape processes, lead a talented team, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance – Financial Control, you will take ownership of core transactional finance functions, including:
- Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
- Banking and payment processing
- Corporate credit card administration
- Debt management and fraud prevention
- Payment approvals and financial controls
You will ensure all operations are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and in line with financial regulations, while also working closely with colleagues across the organisation to support strategic and operational goals.
Leadership & Impact
As a leader, you will:
- Manage and develop three Team Leads and a Project Officer, with overall responsibility for a team of seven.
- Build a high-performing, motivated team with a strong customer-service focus.
- Drive process improvements and system enhancements, working alongside the Finance Systems Team.
- Play a key role in strengthening financial controls and improving service delivery.
About You
We are seeking someone who brings:
- Part-qualified accountant status (or equivalent experience)
- Strong experience in transactional finance operations
- Proven ability to lead, develop and motivate teams.
- Experience with financial systems (ideally Unit4 ERP / Agresso)
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
- Experience in a higher education or complex organisation environment would be advantageous.
What We Offer
We value our people and offer a supportive and rewarding working environment, including:
- Competitive salary and attractive pension scheme
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional closure days
- Generous family-friendly policies
- Free gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme.
Why Join Us?
You will be joining a high-performing, forward-looking finance team within a respected and innovative academic institution. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact, influence change, and develop your leadership career. We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Financial Operations Manager employer: Royal Veterinary College
Join a dynamic and innovative academic institution as a Financial Operations Manager, where you will lead a talented team in delivering high-quality finance operations. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and continuous improvement. This role not only allows you to shape financial processes but also provides unique opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Operations Manager
✨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 Royal Veterinary College. 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 Manager
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 Royal Veterinary College.
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 Royal Veterinary College'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 Royal Veterinary College
✨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 Royal Veterinary College.
✨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 Royal Veterinary College 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 Royal Veterinary College 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.
