Head of Finance Operations

The Oyster Partnership; Greater London; Sur place; GBP 150 000 - 250 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Oyster Partnership is seeking a Head of Finance Operations to lead a large public sector Finance Operations function in London. You will report to the Directors of Finance and oversee treasury, controls, and reporting while delivering high-quality transactional services to residents and stakeholders.

This role requires strategic leadership, robust financial governance and a track record of delivering large-scale transformation in local government.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in local government or public sector.
• Strong knowledge of transactional finance operations, including AP/AR and debt recovery.
• Proven track record delivering change and digital transformation initiatives.
• Able to influence senior stakeholders and governance boards.

Responsabilités

• Lead and inspire Finance Operations teams and act as a key Management Team member.
• Provide strategic financial advice to Directors of Finance and governance bodies.
• Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, financial controls and systems.
• Drive digital transformation, automation and AI-driven improvements across finance services.

Connaissances

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial controls

Digital transformation

Formation

CIPFA / CIMA / ACCA / ACA / ICM or equivalent

Description du poste

Head of Finance Operations

Overview:An exciting opportunity to join the local authority's leadership team. Reporting into the Directors of Finance, this role is responsible for leading Finance Operations, delivering high-quality transactional finance services, robust financial controls, and driving innovation through digital transformation, automation and AI. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and delivering ambition, while ensuring effective stewardship of public funds and excellent service delivery to residents, suppliers, councillors and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a key member of the Management Team.
• Provide strategic financial advice and support to Directors of Finance, S151 Officers, Councillors and governance boards.
• Lead and inspire Finance Operations teams.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and suppliers.
• Support emergency planning arrangements and corporate priorities as required.
• Deputise for the S151 Officer (subject to qualifications and experience).

Finance Operations Management

• Lead Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Financial Controls and Financial Systems functions.
• Ensure timely payment of suppliers and effective recovery of council debts.
• Oversee banking arrangements, tax advisory services and VAT compliance.
• Manage third-party bank accounts and key financial system contracts.
• Develop and maintain strong financial controls, governance frameworks and compliance processes.
• Deliver high-quality financial information, reports and analysis to senior stakeholders.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive digital transformation across Finance Operations.
• Identify opportunities to utilise automation, robotics and AI to improve efficiency, reporting and controls.
• Lead service improvement initiatives that reduce costs and enhance customer experience.
• Support the development of modern, end-to-end transactional processes across both councils.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Manage senior staff and support approximately 25-35 team members
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning and professional development.
• Support apprenticeship programmes and professional qualification pathways.

About You:

Essential Experience

• Significant experience operating at Senior Finance Manager, Head of Finance or equivalent level within Local Government or a comparable public sector organisation.
• Strong knowledge of transactional finance operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, debt recovery and financial controls.
• Experience managing complex finance functions and delivering high-quality operational services.
• Proven track record of leading organisational change, service transformation and improvement programmes.
• Ability to build credibility and influence senior stakeholders, elected members and external partners.

Desirable Experience

• Professional qualification such as CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA, ICM or equivalent.
• Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working within a shared service environment or supporting multiple organisations.
• Experience managing large operational finance teams.
• Knowledge of financial systems procurement, implementation and management.
• Experience delivering digital transformation, automation or AI-enabled service improvements.
• Previous exposure to local authority trading companies, partnerships or alternative delivery models.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and financial regulations.
• Performance management and people development.
• Innovation, transformation and continuous improvement mindset.
• Collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused approach.
• Commitment to high standards of governance, accountability and customer service.

Package Highlights

• Senior leadership role within a shared local government finance service.
• Responsibility for a Finance Operations budget of approximately 1.5m- 2.5m.
• Leadership of a multi-disciplinary team supporting London Borough Councils.
• Opportunity to drive innovation, digital transformation and AI adoption across finance services.

Ideal Background

This role would suit an experienced Head of Finance, Finance Operations Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Deputy S151 Officer or Transactional Finance Leader with strong local government experience and a proven ability to lead large-scale finance operations and transformation programmes.

The Oyster Partnership Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Proof of eligibility will be requested before any offer is confirmed.

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