Junior Finance and Operations Manager

Dream Lab (Enterprise); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic financial services firm in Greater London is seeking a highly organized Finance Operations Lead. This role entails managing critical financial processes including Order to Cash, Purchase to Pay, and Payroll cycles. The ideal candidate will ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance while maintaining strong relationships with the shared service centre. A background in finance operations, proficiency in accounting software, and excellent problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role. Join us in a supportive hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape finance operations

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years in a finance operations role.
• Experience in managing a shared service centre.
• Experience in a small to medium-sized business.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Order to Cash (O2C) and Purchase to Pay (P2P) cycles.
• Manage vendor invoice processing and payment runs.
• Ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance.

Skills

Accounts Receivable Management

Accounts Payable Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Accounting Qualification (AAT, CIMA, ACCA part-qualified)

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

NetSuite

MS Excel

Job description

Dreamlab is a diverse portfolio of experience companies across the UK and globally — including Michelin‑starred chef restaurants, vibrant market stalls, leading white‑labelled F&B products, and an exciting live music venue.

We are seeking a highly organized, detail‑oriented, and proactive Finance Operations Lead to manage and optimize our core financial processes. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the Order to Cash (O2C), Purchase to Pay (P2P) and Payroll cycles, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. This role will act as the critical link between the business and our shared service centre (SSC), responsible for managing the relationship, monitoring performance, and resolving complex issues. This is a hands‑on role requiring a blend of strategic oversight and tactical execution in a fast‑paced small business environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Order to Cash (O2C) Management

• Customer Invoicing: Ensure timely and accurate invoicing of customers by the SSC
• Credit Control: Manage and oversee the credit control process, including monitoring customer aging reports, communicating with customers to collect overdue payments, and resolving invoice queries.
• Cash Application: Ensure all customer payments are accurately and promptly applied to the correct invoices.
• Reconciliation: Perform regular reconciliations of the accounts receivable ledger to the general ledger, investigating and resolving any discrepancies.

2. Purchase to Pay (P2P) Management

• Vendor Invoice Processing: Oversee the SSC with the end‑to‑end process of vendor invoice receipt, validation, coding, and approval, ensuring all invoices are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Payment Runs: Manage and execute weekly or bi‑weekly payment runs, ensuring all payments are correctly authorized and processed.
• Vendor Management: Maintain and update vendor records, ensuring compliance with internal policies and tax regulations.
• Expense Management: Oversee the business's expense management process, ensuring employee claims are submitted, approved, and reimbursed in accordance with company policy.
• Reconciliation: Conduct regular reconciliations of the accounts payable ledger to the general ledger and vendor statements.

3. Payroll Management

• Payroll Processing: Ensure that all the payroll updates are incorporated effectively communicated to the payroll providers per the required timetable
• Payment: Ensure all payroll payments for all markets are transacted per the schedule including the remittance of all benefit and tax payments per the deadlines.

4. Shared Service Centre (SSC) Oversight

• Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for the SSC, managing the day‑to‑day relationship and ensuring effective communication.
• Performance Monitoring: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for the SSC (e.g., invoice processing time, query resolution rates) and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Issue Resolution: Be the escalation point for complex or long‑standing issues, working with the SSC and internal stakeholders to find timely resolutions.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to optimize processes and workflows with the SSC to increase efficiency and accuracy.

5. Financial & Operational Control

• Process Improvement: Continuously review and improve existing O2C and P2P processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control.
• Compliance: Ensure all finance operations activities comply with internal policies, accounting standards (e.g., IFRS / GAAP), and relevant regulations.
• Reporting: Prepare and analyze regular reports on key metrics, including accounts receivable aging, accounts payable turnover, and cash flow.
• Month‑End Close: Assist with month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring all ledgers are reconciled and ready for review.

6. Leadership & Team Collaboration

Work closely with the Financial Controller to support the overall finance strategy.

Collaborate effectively with other departments (e.g., Sales, Operations, HR) to ensure smooth cross‑functional processes.

Lead by example, promoting a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Qualifications

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a finance operations role , with a strong focus on both Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.

Proven experience working with or managing a shared service centre is essential.

Experience in a small to medium‑sized business (SMB) environment is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

Strong proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite) and MS Excel.

Knowledge of relevant financial regulations and accounting standards.

Soft Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.

Highly analytical with strong problem‑solving capabilities.

Meticulous attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

Proactive, self‑motivated, and a great team player.

Education

An accounting qualification (e.g., AAT, CIMA, ACCA part‑qualified) is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing business.
• A chance to shape and build a robust finance operations function.
• Dynamic and supportive hybrid work environment.