Head of Finance Operations Overview:An exciting opportunity to join the local authority's leadership team. Reporting into the Directors of Finance, this role is responsible for leading Finance Operations, delivering high-quality transactional finance services, robust financial controls, and driving innovation through digital transformation, automation and AI. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and delivering ambition, while ensuring effective stewardship of public funds and excellent service delivery to residents, suppliers, councillors and stakeholders. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership Act as a key member of the Management Team. Provide strategic financial advice and support to Directors of Finance, S151 Officers, Councillors and governance boards. Lead and inspire Finance Operations teams. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and suppliers. Support emergency planning arrangements and corporate priorities as required. Deputise for the S151 Officer (subject to qualifications and experience).Finance Operations Management Lead Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Financial Controls and Financial Systems functions. Ensure timely payment of suppliers and effective recovery of council debts. Oversee banking arrangements, tax advisory services and VAT compliance. Manage third-party bank accounts and key financial system contracts. Develop and maintain strong financial controls, governance frameworks and compliance processes. Deliver high-quality financial information, reports and analysis to senior stakeholders.Transformation & Continuous Improvement Drive digital transformation across Finance Operations. Identify opportunities to utilise automation, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reporting and controls. Lead service improvement initiatives that reduce costs and enhance customer experience. Support the development of modern, end-to-end transactional processes across both councils.People Leadership Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing finance team. Manage senior staff and support approximately 25-35 team members Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning and professional development. Support apprenticeship programmes and professional qualification pathways.About You: Essential Experience Significant experience operating at Senior Finance Manager, Head of Finance or equivalent level within Local Government or a comparable public sector organisation. Strong knowledge of transactional finance operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, debt recovery and financial controls. Experience managing complex finance functions and delivering high-quality operational services. Proven track record of leading organisational change, service transformation and improvement programmes. Ability to build credibility and influence senior stakeholders, elected members and external partners.Desirable Experience Professional qualification such as CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA, ICM or equivalent. Degree educated or equivalent professional experience. Experience working within a shared service environment or supporting multiple organisations. Experience managing large operational finance teams. Knowledge of financial systems procurement, implementation and management. Experience delivering digital transformation, automation or AI-enabled service improvements. Previous exposure to local authority trading companies, partnerships or alternative delivery models.Key Competencies Strategic leadership and decision-making. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Strong financial and commercial acumen. Ability to interpret complex legislation and financial regulations. Performance management and people development. Innovation, transformation and continuous improvement mindset. Collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused approach. Commitment to high standards of governance, accountability and customer service.Package Highlights Senior leadership role within a shared local government finance service. Responsibility for a Finance Operations budget of approximately £1.5m-£2.5m. Leadership of a multi-disciplinary team supporting London Borough Councils. Opportunity to drive innovation, digital transformation and AI adoption across finance services.Ideal Background: This role would suit an experienced Head of Finance, Finance Operations Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Deputy S151 Officer or Transactional Finance Leader with strong local government experience and a proven ability to lead large-scale finance operations and transformation programmes. If you have any questions regarding this role, or know someone who would be a great fit, please get in touch at (url removed) or (phone number removed) for a chat. The Oyster Partnership Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Proof of eligibility will be requested before any offer is confirmed. By applying, you consent to processing your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy, for the purposes of this recruitment process only. Your data will be held securely and not shared with third parties without consent
Head of Finance Operations in London employer: The Oyster Partnership
Join a forward-thinking Housing Association in North London, where your role as an Interim Income Officer will not only contribute to the vital work of managing rent arrears but also support vulnerable residents in maintaining their tenancies. With a competitive hourly rate and the flexibility of hybrid working, this position offers a collaborative work culture that values diversity and promotes professional growth through hands-on experience in income recovery and legal processes. Embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in social housing.
