AR & Finance Operations Specialist

AR & Finance Operations Specialist

Department: Finance - UK and Ireland

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: UK

This is a broad finance role combining ownership of AR, cash collection and working capital. With hands‑on support across month‑end close and cash flow forecasting to support the effective delivery of core finance processes across the business cycle. The postholder is responsible for ensuring billed revenue is converted into cash in a timely and well‑controlled manner, maintaining oversight of aged debt, and supporting disciplined execution across order‑to‑cash activities.

The role suits a hands‑on finance professional looking to broaden their accounting experience while leading AR and credit control day‑to‑day. It requires sound judgement, confidence engaging with stakeholders, and the ability to operate in a structured, process‑driven environment while maintaining regular communication and alignment with the wider team.

You will be working in an environment that values curiosity, adaptability and getting involved. Those who thrive here are comfortable operating across a broad range of finance activities, taking ownership beyond a narrowly defined remit, and contributing to a business that continues to evolve and change.

Cash Collection & Cashflow Support

• Own cash collection activity across the UK business, proactively following up overdue balances.
• Monitor aged debt, identify risks and drive timely resolution.
• Escalate high‑risk or long‑outstanding balances appropriately, applying sound judgement.
• Contribute to weekly cashflow forecasting by providing insight into expected receipts, risks and timing.

Accounts Receivable & Billing

• Ensure invoices and credit notes are raised accurately and on a timely basis.
• Maintain hands‑on involvement in billing where required, particularly during peak periods.
• Oversee accrued and unbilled revenue balances, challenging delays and addressing root causes.
• Resolve escalated billing and AR queries constructively, balancing control with commercial pragmatism.

Closed‑Won‑to‑Cash Controls & Approvals

• Own the closed‑won‑to‑cash workflow for the UK business.
• Review and approve client wins prior to billing, ensuring contracts and supporting documentation are complete and policy‑compliant.
• Follow up and resolve policy exceptions, escalating where appropriate.
• Work closely with client teams to ensure effective handover from win approval through to billing.

Finance Support & Period‑End Activity

• Support the month‑end close process, contributing to period‑end tasks and reporting as directed by the UK Finance Manager.
• Assist with the preparation and review of financial data to support accurate business reporting.
• Contribute to finance operational activities across the business cycle, supporting the wider Group finance function with statutory and operational requirements, ad hoc analysis, and general administration as required.
• Audit and statutory support: preparing schedules and evidence for auditors and assisting with year‑end reporting.

Stakeholder Partnership & Policy Reinforcement

• Act as the primary UK point of contact for order‑to‑cash matters.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with client‑facing and finance teams.
• Support and guide teams on policy requirements, expected evidence and good closed‑won‑to‑cash practice.

Controls, Process Improvement & Reporting

• Maintain oversight of AR and related finance controls across UK teams.
• Embed consistent ways of working and clear accountability.
• Track and report key billing, AR and cash performance indicators.
• Identify and implement opportunities to strengthen controls, improve efficiency and increase automation.

People Management

• Line manage the Senior Finance Assistant, providing oversight, coaching and development support.
• Ensure appropriate task allocation, review and resilience within AR and related finance processes.

• 3–5 years’ experience in accounts receivable, credit control or order‑to‑cash, with a willingness and capability to support broader finance/accounting tasks.
• Background in a B2B professional services, media or marketing services environment strongly…