Director of Transactional Finance & Shared Services

Robert Walters; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global recruitment firm is searching for a Director of Transactional Finance & Shared Services in London. This key role will oversee finance operations, particularly payroll and billing, while driving efficiency through automation and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional environments and a proven track record in shared services and continuous improvement. Join this dynamic organization to shape a new centralized function focused on innovation and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience in multi-jurisdictional environments with teams across different regions required.
• Proven track record in continuous improvement and shared services essential.
• Methodical approach and process-driven skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll and billing processes for contractors.
• Lead the credit control function globally.
• Implement efficiency in finance processes through automation.
• Ensure accurate customer invoicing and timely payments.

Skills

Multi-jurisdictional experience

Contract-based environments knowledge

Continuous improvement mindset

Leadership skills

Data-driven mindset

Communications skills

Tools

Pay-and-bill system

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Director of Transactional Finance & Shared Services  Location: London (with team members based in Kuala Lumpur, London, and Houston)  Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Robert Walters is delighted to be partnering with a leading global organisation operating across multiple sectors. With operations spanning 11 offices in six countries and generating revenues of £150m, this private equity-backed business is renowned for its expertise in delivering innovative solutions and services worldwide.

We are currently supporting them in the search for a highly skilled Director of Transactional Finance & Shared Services to join their team in London. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a newly centralised function, drive operational excellence, and shape the future of transactional finance within a dynamic organisation.

Role Overview

The Director of Transactional Finance & Shared Services will oversee all aspects of transaction processing across the business, with a particular focus on payroll and billing processes for contractors. This role involves leading the transformation from regional finance teams to a centralised structure, optimising processes for accuracy and efficiency, and driving continuous improvement through automation and collaboration with IT and sales stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a new team while influencing key decisions around structure and hiring. Once operational, the focus will shift towards delivering measurable outcomes through KPIs, refining upstream processes, and enhancing customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll & Billing Oversight: Ensure contractors are paid accurately and on time across all jurisdictions. Oversee related payroll submissions and ensure timely customer invoicing.
• Credit Control Management: Lead the global credit control function to optimise cash collection processes.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Oversee accounts payable, staff expenses, and accounts receivable processes globally.
• Process Improvement: Continuously refine finance processes to drive efficiency and identify opportunities for automation. Collaborate with IT to deliver technology solutions that enhance operations.
• Upstream Process Optimisation: Partner with sales stakeholders to ensure clean data flow into finance systems by improving upstream processes.
• Policy Ownership: Develop policies governing upstream processes and work with stakeholders (e.g., commercial finance, HR, sales enablement) to embed these policies into behaviours across the organisation.
• Commercial Judgements: Act as an escalation point for decisions around customer credit limits, non-standard billing exceptions, or contractors working without purchase orders.
• System Ownership: Serve as the business owner of the pay-and-bill system, liaising with vendors and IT support for day-to-day releases and minor system developments.
• KPI Dashboard Development: Devise and own an operational finance KPI dashboard to monitor performance metrics effectively. Brief senior stakeholders on issues and translate them into actionable plans with clear accountability.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Proven experience operating in multi-jurisdictional environments with teams located across different regions.
• Experience in contract-based environments with knowledge of pay-and-bill processes is highly advantageous.
• Shared services experience with evidence of driving continuous improvement essential.
• Demonstrated ability to optimise team structures for leaner, more efficient operations; experience in offshoring/outsourcing is beneficial.
• Methodical approach with strong process-driven skills; able to design policies that translate into tangible actions embedded within organisational behaviours.
• Data-driven mindset with a history of using analytics to refine processes and improve efficiency.
• Customer-focused mentality capable of fostering this approach within teams to deliver exceptional service beyond basic processing tasks.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of upskilling teams to achieve better business outcomes.
• Confident communicator who can adapt presentation style for diverse stakeholders.

Why Join This Organisation?

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at a pivotal moment in its transformation journey. As part of the leadership team, you ll have the chance to shape a new centralised function while driving innovation, efficiency, and customer service excellence across global operations.