Interim Head of Transactional Finance

Hitchenor Wakeford Limited; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy is looking for an Interim Head of Transactional Finance to lead a sizeable finance function in York and North Yorkshire. This senior interim role requires ownership of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Credit Control, managing around 20 staff and driving process improvements. Candidates must have a strong background in finance leadership and managing large teams. The opportunity promises a fast-paced environment where impactful changes can be made.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior transactional finance leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience managing large teams in high-volume environments.
• Track record of delivering process improvement and change within finance operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, hands‑on leadership to a transactional finance team.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier payments and customer billing.
• Lead multiple process improvement projects focused on efficiency and risk reduction.

Skills

Transactional finance leadership

Process improvement

Managing large teams

Accounts Payable (AP)

Accounts Receivable (AR)

Credit Control

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Job description

HWF is working with a large, complex organisation to appoint an Interim Head of Transactional Finance to lead and stabilise a sizeable transactional finance function during a period of change.

This is a senior interim role with full ownership of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Credit Control, managing a team of c.20 staff and delivering a number of process improvement and control enhancement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide strong, hands‑on leadership to a transactional finance team of ~20 across AP, AR and Credit Control
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier payments, customer billing, cash allocation and collections
• Review and strengthen end‑to‑end P2P and O2C processes, controls and SLAs
• Lead multiple process improvement projects focused on efficiency, automation, standardisation and risk reduction
• Improve working capital performance, including debtor days, payment runs and dispute resolution
• Embed clear KPIs, reporting and governance across transactional activities
• Partner closely with the Head of Finance / Finance Director and wider business stakeholders
• Support system improvements, upgrades or ERP‑related process changes where required

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in a senior transactional finance leadership role (Head of Transactional Finance / Shared Services Lead / AP & AR Lead)
• Demonstrable experience managing large teams (15–25+) in high‑volume environments
• Strong background across AP, AR and Credit Control with a controls‑focused mindset
• Track record of delivering process improvement and change within finance operations
• Confident, pragmatic interim who can quickly gain credibility and drive results
• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) preferred, but not essential with relevant experience

The Opportunity includes:

• High‑impact interim role within a changing and evolving finance function
• Opportunity to leave a tangible legacy through improved processes and controls
• Fast‑paced, hands‑on assignment suited to an experienced interim leader