Head of Finance Operations

Overview

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This is a key leadership role that will design, review, improve, and deliver a Finance Operations function that is fit for purpose in the context of supporting delivery of the University’s overall strategy. The role will lead our Finance Operations teams which are:
Procurement and accounts payable;
Payroll and expenses;
Pensions;
Accounts Receivable;
Finance Systems. You will lead around 75 staff creating a culture of collaboration, continual improvement, excellence and effectiveness. You will provide direction and strong scrutiny to ensure that operational activities are successfully and efficiently delivered, and within regulatory requirements.

The role will lead on developing the strategy for, and delivery of long term system improvements and developments across Finance with a view towards a new ERP system in the forthcoming years. You will work closely with other colleagues within the department, across the University, and externally. The role will work closely with the Head of Financial Control and Compliance to identify and implement a robust control environment, efficiencies, process reviews, and systems enhancements within the existing suite of systems.

You will have an extensive and proven track record of team management, with excellent personal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the Finance department. Good system knowledge and the ability to challenge the status quo and improve processes is essential. You should have extensive prior experience of managing financial processing functions, and of developing and enforcing associated policies and procedures.

• Leadership and strategic direction for Finance Operations, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, collegiality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the production and implementation of long term realistic, ambitious and compelling strategies, policies and delivery plans for the development of Finance Operations, such as the Procurement Strategy which underpin the Financial Strategy and University Vision.
• Lead on delivery of services and processes to ensure that they are lean and efficient, best able to meet the financial needs of the University, and provide excellent services to students and key stakeholders in the University.
• Owning the Finance department design and implementation input into any system development and changes across the University, ensuring that regulatory, control and operational requirements are met and delivered.
• Lead on ensuring overall business continuity for the Department of Finance.
• Develop and maintain appropriate controls and governance of the Finance Operations team to manage and mitigate risks to maintain the integrity of financial transactions.
• Coordinate service delivery and performance of all aspects of operational finance, ensuring key financial business targets and KPIs are met.
• Develop documentation of process and procedures in simple form to enable cross team working and reduce reliance on single points of failure. Ensure staff have access to required information and training to enable compliance with University policies and financial regulations.
• Provide leadership for, and management of, your own team, ensuring that staff are motivated and have opportunities for development.
• Actively monitor changes within the external and financial regulatory environment to ensure any changes which will affect finance operations or reporting are identified early such that solutions are implemented.
• Act as a full member of the department Executive…