Head of Transactional Finance

Hays; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading music education charity is seeking a Head of Transactional Finance to lead significant changes in finance operations. This role involves overseeing payroll and accounts payable, driving automation, and enhancing financial compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong finance background and be passionate about digital transformation. Join a purpose-driven organization and shape the future of finance in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Matched pension contribution

25 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Recognised finance qualification required.
• Experience managing finance system implementations.
• Proven leadership in finance operations.

Responsibilities

• Drive automation and process improvement in finance.
• Oversee payroll, accounts payable, and finance systems.
• Enhance financial compliance and controls.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Continuous Improvement

Education

ACA

ACCA

CIMA

Tools

UNIT4

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Shape the Future of Finance at ABRSM

ABRSM is the UK’s leading music education body and a globally respected charity, supporting millions of learners and teachers across 90+ countries through world-renowned music exams, publications, and digital learning tools. With a turnover of approximately £50 million, ABRSM is undertaking an ambitious programme of digital transformation—modernising systems, operations, and ways of working to better serve its global community.

They are now seeking a dynamic Head of Transactional Finance to lead the evolution of finance operations and define the future of this function within a modern, collaborative finance team.

The Role
Reporting directly to the CFO, the Head of Transactional Finance as a pivotal leadership role that oversees payroll, accounts payable, and finance systems. It has a strong relationship to accounts receivable in an adjacent team. It’s a unique opportunity to lead a function through significant change.

You’ll be instrumental in driving automation, improving processes, and ensuring seamless integration between finance systems (UNIT4) and wider business platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment and is passionate about delivering operational excellence and strategic impact:

• Driving automation and process improvement across transactional finance
• Managing the successful deployment and optimisation of UNIT4 and its integration with wider business systems (notably Microsoft Dynamics)
• Enhancing financial compliance, policy, and controls
• Ensuring underlying data is clean and timely for reporting
• Supporting change management across finance and the broader organisation

The Person
We’re looking for a confident and forward-thinking finance professional who thrives in change-oriented environments and wants to put their stamp on a high-impact function. You'll play a critical role in bridging systems, processes, and people—bringing structure, clarity, and innovation to a function that underpins ABRSM’s financial strength and strategic direction.

You’ll bring:
• A recognised finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Demonstrated leadership in finance operations, including payroll and accounts payable
• A track record of managing or supporting finance system implementations and integrations (experience with UNIT4 is essential)
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A mindset geared toward continuous improvement, digital transformation, and cross-functional collaboration
• The ability to shape and position transactional finance as a partner to teams such as financial accounting and FP&A
• This role is not for a pure systems accountant—but for someone who thinks systemically, understands how to embed finance within digital workflows, and can bring a modern, strategic lens to transactional processes.

Why Join ABRSM?

• This is a rare opportunity to lead change in an organisation with a global reach and a purpose-driven mission. You’ll have the autonomy to define the transactional finance function and be part of a broader transformation journey that’s reshaping how ABRSM delivers value internally and externally.
• A high-impact leadership role in a purpose-driven organisation
• The opportunity to shape and modernise finance operations
• A chance to contribute to a global mission in music education
• A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%), 25 days annual leave plus Xmas closure days, Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Contract: Permanent or 18-Month Fixed Term
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

How to Apply
ABRSM are working in partnership with Hays Senior Finance to identify the right person for this role. Please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays if you have any queries, but the first step towards being considered is to make your application. If suitable, Peter will follow up with a call to discuss next steps.

Closing date: 4th June 2025
Interviews: 18th and 19th June