Interim Senior Operational Finance Manager

Gofractional; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Trainline is seeking an Interim Senior Operational Finance Manager in Edinburgh to lead AP/AR, finance systems, and cashbook functions. You will drive working capital performance, ensure robust controls, and partner with Technology and Finance leadership to deliver a six-month fixed-term engagement.

The role requires strong experience in operational finance management, ERP platforms, and a track record of delivering process improvements. Hybrid model with 60% office attendance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in AP/AR, financial controls, and working in fast-paced environments.
• Proven track record leading high-performing finance teams and driving development.
• ERP experience with transactional finance processes end-to-end and automation initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder communication and governance across Finance and Technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead AP/AR, Finance Systems, and Cashbook functions.
• Drive working capital via KPIs and aged debt management.
• Oversee month-end close and audit processes with strong controls.
• Identify and deliver automation, efficiency, and scalability improvements.
• Build relationships with Finance, Technology and senior leadership to manage SLAs.

Skills

Operational finance

AP/AR management

Team leadership

ERP systems

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Dynamics 365

Data governance

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Role

Who you are

• Substantial experience managing operational finance functions, ideally spanning Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and finance systems in a fast-paced commercial environment
• A strong track record of leading and developing high-performing finance teams, with the ability to set direction, manage performance, and support the professional growth of team members
• Solid expertise across AP/AR processes, credit control, working capital management, and financial controls, with a high standard of attention to detail and data governance
• Experience working within an ERP environment, ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365 or a comparable platform, with a confident grasp of transactional finance processes end-to-end
• A process improvement mindset, with demonstrated success delivering automation and efficiency gains across operational finance functions
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders across Finance, Technology, and senior business leadership
• Confidence managing SLAs and service expectations with internal stakeholders, alongside the resilience to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• Availability at short notice and comfort operating in an interim capacity, with the drive to take ownership quickly, deliver impact within a defined timeframe, and lead a clear and structured handover
• We're operating a hybrid model and ask that Trainliners work from the office a minimum of 60% of their time over a 12-week period

What the job involves

• At Trainline, our Finance team is the backbone of how we manage, govern, and grow the business responsibly. From transactional processing to financial controls and systems ownership, the team works across a broad range of disciplines to ensure Trainline operates with accuracy, integrity, and commercial rigour
• This is a pivotal interim appointment within our operational finance function, sitting within a high-performing team and reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller
• As Interim Senior Operational Finance Manager, you will lead the teams responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Finance Systems, and our Cashbook function, driving operational excellence and embedding a continuous improvement mindset across the function
• You will work closely with Finance leadership and Technology colleagues to strengthen controls, streamline processes, and maintain delivery momentum throughout a six-month fixed-term engagement, with a clear and structured handover at its close
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary operational finance team across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Finance Systems, and Cashbook, setting clear objectives, managing team capacity, and actively supporting the professional growth of every team member
• Own the day-to-day management of the AP and AR functions, ensuring invoices, payments, collections, and reconciliations are processed accurately, on time, and in line with strong governance and compliance standards
• Drive working capital performance by monitoring AP and AR KPIs, proactively managing aged debt and debtor days, and delivering regular reporting and insight to the Group Financial Controller
• Oversee bank and cash reconciliation across all entities and currencies, maintaining robust controls over cash processes including payment authorisation, segregation of duties, and reconciliation review
• Act as business owner for Trainline's core finance systems, ensuring platforms are scalable, secure, and well-governed, and that teams are empowered to use them effectively through training and change management
• Own the operational finance contribution to month-end close, ensuring ledgers are closed accurately and on time, and serve as a key point of contact throughout internal and external audit processes
• Identify and deliver process improvements with a focus on automation, efficiency, and scalability, coordinating with the Senior Finance Manager - Transformation to ensure changes are aligned with the broader Finance transformation roadmap
• Build trusted relationships across Finance, Technology, and the wider business, acting as the senior point of contact for operational finance and managing SLAs with internal stakeholders

Compensation: £75-80k + Bonus & 2-for-1 share purchase plans

Location: Edinburgh

Work Arrangement: 2+ days a week in office (minimum 60% office attendance over 12-week period)

Contract Type: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract