Job Description
The Financial Operations Manager leads financial operations with a strong emphasis on automation, process optimisation, and building robust, scalable systems. This hands-on role drives and delivers projects that automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, reduce errors, and embed strong controls — enabling faster, more reliable financial operations and supporting sustainable business growth.
The role includes high-level governance and project oversight of HR and IT initiatives to ensure aligned, automated, and secure supporting systems, while serving as a proactive leader and trusted advisor to Directors on operational excellence.
Key Accountabilities
Financial leadership & project delivery
- Lead automation and process improvement projects across our financial services (e.g. end-to-end workflow automation, data integration, error-proofing initiatives).
- Own budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and performance analysis as ongoing improvement projects — automating inputs, calculations, and reporting for greater speed, accuracy, and reliability.
- Deliver timely, actionable insights via automated dashboards and scenario tools to empower data-driven decisions.
- Proactively identify process bottlenecks, risks, and opportunities; lead targeted improvement projects to close gaps and build resilience.
- Embed robust, automated financial controls and governance as core operational enhancements.
Finance operations & transformation leadership
- Drive and project-manage automation initiatives in core processes (e.g. invoice processing & AP/AR automation, three-way matching, automated reconciliations, streamlined month-end close, payroll-system interfaces).
- Lead continuous improvement and technology projects (workflow tools, AI-assisted validation) to boost accuracy, eliminate manual effort, accelerate cycles, and scale operations reliably.
- Own risk mitigation projects, implementing automated controls, validation rules, and exception monitoring to strengthen process robustness.
- Select, implement, and optimise finance systems (ERP enhancements, cloud accounting platforms, automation tools) as key transformation projects focused on integration and long-term efficiency.
HR function oversight
- Provide high-level oversight of HR and systems
- Partner with Directors and external providers to govern and ensure successful delivery of strategic HR initiatives.
- Escalate matters requiring Director-level input, investment, or strategic direction (no day-to-day HR operations).
IT function oversight & project governance
- Provide high-level project leadership and governance over IT initiatives impacting financial operations, data integrity, and cybersecurity (e.g. finance system integrations, automated security controls).
- Oversee delivery of critical IT projects that enhance system reliability, automate data flows, and strengthen compliance.
- Partner with Directors and specialists to prioritise, scope, and execute major IT-related change programs (no day-to-day technical management).
Collaboration & leadership
- Act as the primary sponsor and driver for finance-led automation and process excellence projects, ensuring strong delivery and cross-functional buy-in.
- Build and lead a finance operations team focused on automation delivery, continuous improvement, accountability, and robust execution.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to Directors — translating insights into practical automation roadmaps and measurable process enhancements.
- Foster collaboration across finance, HR, IT, and other teams for integrated, automated workflows.
Skills & Experience
- Proven success leading finance operations through automation projects, process redesign, and system implementations in dynamic organisations.
- Strong expertise in automating financial workflows (e.g. AP/AR, reconciliations, close processes) and driving operational robustness.
- Accounting qualification (CA / CPA or equivalent) highly regarded.
- Track record governing or delivering cross-functional projects involving HR/IT systems, automation tools, or shared services improvements.
- Hands-on experience with ERP, accounting platforms, workflow automation tools, and project delivery approaches.
- Commercially aware, with ability to balance detailed process/automation work with strategic business impact.
- Confident leader and communicator — skilled at driving change, stakeholder management, and presenting automation benefits to senior leaders.
Personal attributes
- Delivery-oriented with a passion for automation and process excellence — enjoys turning inefficient workflows into robust, scalable operations.
- Proactive and structured; builds clarity and momentum in complex, evolving environments.
- Pragmatic, results-focused, and disciplined in project execution and control implementation.
- Trusted partner who combines strong leadership on improvements with collaborative support for the executive team.