Financial Operations Manager

Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company specialising in content and data within sports betting, horse racing and fantasy sports. With over 400 employees, the group operates multiple award-winning brands, including Racing Post, the world’s largest horse racing affiliate, Pickswise, myracing and Free Super Tips. We partner with leading operators across the betting industry to produce and build multilingual, best-in-class digital products and content to engage and educate customers.

The Financial Operations Manager will take full ownership of the Accounts Receivable (AR) function while providing functional oversight to the wider transactional finance team. Reporting to the Head of Financial Control (HoFC), you will ensure robust credit risk management and a high-standard billing cycle. This role offers a high-potential professional the opportunity to manage a team, providing line management to two Leeds-based Finance Assistants. You will play a key role in developing the capabilities of the transactional team, broadening their exposure to ensure a more resilient and integrated finance operation. You will also provide functional oversight for payroll, acting as lead reviewer. As a champion of continuous improvement, you will work with the HoFC to identify opportunities to streamline transactional processes and future-proof our operational workflows.

Key accountabilities / responsibilities:

• Managing the aged debt profile, driving cash collection and serving as the business ‘go to’ for sales invoicing.
• Act as the primary external point of contact for billing queries, collaborating with relevant internal teams to resolve issues promptly.
• Line management of two Finance Assistants; driving the strategic redistribution of workflows and moving toward a more hybrid operating model.
• Performing first-level review of monthly payrolls and maintaining technical knowledge.
• Oversee the Accounts Payable (AP) workflow, providing first-level approval for payment runs and ensuring ledger accuracy.
• Coordinate cash book accuracy and proactively investigate unidentified receipts to ensure the ledger remains clean.
• Review and approve the creation of new vendor/customer accounts and ensure robust master data maintenance within the ERP.
• Partner with HoFC to evaluate operational finance workflows, identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Acting as the primary liaison for our ERP provider, coordinating technical support and functional enhancements as required.
• Assist with the transactional elements of the year-end audit.
• Other ad hoc duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Proven background in AR/Credit Control and a broad understanding of the transactional lifecycle (AP/Payroll/Cash).
• Technical understanding of UK payroll mechanics.
• Keen eye for detail with an ability to spot anomalies when reviewing financial data, e.g. payroll and supplier / staff expense runs.
• Ability to identify transactional control gaps and a keen interest in streamlining manual workflows across transactional areas.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong, professional relationships with remote teams and various internal / external stakeholders.
• Confident using ERP systems (ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) and a proactive approach to leveraging technology.

Desirable:

• AAT Level 4 (or equivalent) – qualified-by-experience is also welcomed.
• Experience leading a team with the skills to line manage remote colleagues.
• Familiarity with US and Irish payroll mechanics is a bonus.
• Working knowledge of UK / Irish VAT rules for sales invoicing.

We offer a range of well-being initiatives, including private medical insurance, excellent parental leave, a working globally policy, mental health support, assistance programs, and social gatherings. We also provide a pension scheme and various other benefit schemes. Plus, we all get our birthdays off work and enjoy 25 days of holiday per year. We’ve also got you covered with life assurance and exclusive perks like the Star card and our Step Further Awards (our employee recognition program) to recognise your dedication. For those working via the hybrid model (in the office and at home) we’ve made commuting easier with our Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme. You can also take advantage of complimentary access to our Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership. We believe in making a positive impact beyond the workplace, and you will have the chance to volunteer two days per year with our charity partner.