Head of Financial Operations

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations Management

• Lead and manage the Shared Service Centre (SSC) to deliver high-quality financial operations across the Group.
• Oversee the Accounts Payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor payments.
• Manage intercompany accounting processes, ensuring accuracy of calculations, reconciliations and reporting across all jurisdictions.
• Oversee bank reconciliations and cash management activities to optimize working capital.
• Ensure robust payment controls and authorization workflows are in place to mitigate financial risks.
• Develop and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations.

Systems & ERP Management

• Own the Group’s financial systems pertaining to Financial Operations, including ERP and Accounts Payable workflow platforms, ensuring they meet the needs of the business.
• Oversee the continuous improvement and optimization of financial systems and automation initiatives.
• Work with IT and external vendors to implement system upgrades, enhancements, and integrations.
• Ensure standardization of financial data and processes across all entities within the ERP system.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives to streamline financial operations and improve reporting capabilities.
• Provide financial systems support for mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives.

Governance, Compliance & Controls

• Develop and enforce financial policies and procedures to ensure operational compliance with internal controls.
• Ensure financial operations adhere to Group policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits related to financial operations, ensuring compliance and timely resolution of findings.
• Implement strong internal controls to mitigate financial risks and ensure data integrity.
• Ensure intercompany transactions are properly documented and aligned with transfer pricing policies.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the Head of Financial Controlling to ensure seamless alignment between financial operations and financial reporting.
• Collaborate with Treasury, Tax, VAT and FP&A teams to support overall financial strategy and operational execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior management and business units to support operational needs and strategic initiatives.
• Act as the key liaison with external banking and financial service providers to manage payment infrastructure.
• Provide financial operational support for mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within financial operations to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance controls.
• Implement automation and process enhancements to streamline Accounts Payable, reconciliations, and payment processes.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve the performance of the Shared Service Centre.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development to build a high-performing finance operations team.

Team Development and Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals within the Shared Service Centre.
• Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and career progression opportunities for team members.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven work environment, promoting best practices in financial operations.
• Drive a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and innovation within the team.

Qualification & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; a professional accounting qualification is preferred.
• Recent and relevant post qualified experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in financial operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience in managing financial shared service centres (SSC) and multi-jurisdictional financial operations.
• Expertise in Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliations, Intercompany Accounting, and Payment Processing.
• Experience in financial systems, ERP implementation, and process automation.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, compliance requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Proven track record in process improvement, financial transformation, and operational excellence.
• Advanced proficiency in financial management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage Intacct) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• Insurance, Health & Wellness
• Financial & Retirement
• Family & Parenting
• Vacation & Time Off
• Other Perks & Benefits…