Head of Finance Operations

LJ Recruitment; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international firm is seeking a Head of Finance Operations in London. This senior leadership role will oversee financial operations, drive efficiency, and maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions while developing high-performing finance teams. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in the professional services sector and possess strong leadership and financial management skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior finance operations role within a professional services organization.
• Proven expertise across accounts payable, receivable, billing, and cash management.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience in developing and managing finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse financial operations team across various jurisdictions.
• Ensure timely processing of financial transactions and oversight of billing functions.
• Manage cash reporting and compliance with financial regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Compliance

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Financial systems

Job description

Head of Finance Operations

Are you an experienced finance operations leader with a track record of driving efficiency, enhancing financial processes, and leading high-performing teams in a professional services setting?

We are currently seeking a Head of Finance Operations on behalf of a leading international firm. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial operations across multiple jurisdictions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and cash management.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Operations Leadership

• Lead and develop a geographically diverse financial operations team across locations such as Jersey, Guernsey, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, and Mauritius.
• Drive operational efficiency through the effective use of financial systems and technology.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, with a focus on continuous improvement and staff development.
• Collaborate closely with senior finance leadership to align operational processes with strategic goals.

Accounts Payable / Receivable

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions in line with internal policies.
• Design and implement robust, efficient processes that improve accuracy and productivity while maintaining control.
• Oversee the accurate and timely allocation and recording of incoming funds.

Billing and Revenue Control

• Lead the billing function to ensure prompt and accurate invoicing in accordance with client agreements.
• Partner with legal and client service teams to improve WIP and debt management, optimising working capital.
• Monitor and drive performance in billing and collections to meet key financial targets.

Cash Management

• Manage daily cash reporting and liquidity planning across jurisdictions.
• Support treasury initiatives to optimise cash utilisation and meet the firm's operational funding needs.

Financial Control and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, including client account rules in multiple jurisdictions.
• Strengthen internal controls to protect firm assets and support audit readiness.
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure a smooth year-end process.

About You

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant experience in a senior finance operations role within a law firm or professional services organisation.
• Proven expertise across accounts payable/receivable, billing, collections, and cash management.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a history of developing and managing successful finance teams.
• Excellent understanding of financial compliance and control frameworks, ideally with knowledge of client money handling rules.
• Systems-savvy, with experience of financial tools relevant to the sector
• Excellent organisational, planning, and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) preferred, though not essential if supported by relevant experience.