Head of Operational Finance

Our client, a highly regarded Investment firm are looking for a senior finance professional to sit at the intersection of finance leadership and technology innovation and Head the Operational Finance function. You will take ownership of our finance systems transformation agenda, driving the adoption of new tools and automation to improve data quality, formalise and accelerate month end close processes and free the team to focus on insight and control. Alongside this, you will oversee the year-end audit process, the tax arrangements of the group and all regulatory filings. Reporting directly to the COO, this role is expected to have meaningful long term strategic impact on the business.

Role & Responsibilities

1. Lead the finance systems transformation programme, including the evaluation, implementation and embedding of new systems, processes and automation tools.
2. Identify and champion AI-driven use cases within the finance function, working with the broader transformation team to move from pilot to scaled adoption.
3. Work with the existing finance team (c.8 people) to drive material improvements in data accuracy, underpinned by better systems and cleaner processes.
4. Collaborate with the transformation team to outsource appropriate data processing tasks, enabling the finance team to redirect capacity toward controls and value-add work.
5. Continue to refine and improve month and quarter-end close procedures, with a focus on speed, accuracy and automation.
6. Manage and provide oversight of the statutory audit process.
7. Oversee US-based tax and US GAAP specialist resource, including relevant tax filings and payments.
8. Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory return deadlines requiring finance team input.

Background & Experience

1. Proven experience in a Head of Finance or equivalent senior finance leadership role.
2. Demonstrable track record of leading finance systems transformations, with a focus on implementation and adoption.
3. Strong understanding of AI tools and their practical application in a finance context, with hands-on experience of driving automation initiatives.
4. Experience leading change in similarly sized organisations, with the ability to bring teams along on a transformation journey.
5. Proficient in MS Office and financial management software; experience with SAP highly desirable.
6. An analytical mind with the ability to balance detail with strategic perspective.
7. Excellent organisational and leadership skills, with the confidence to influence at COO level and across the broader business.
8. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
9. ACA or ACCA qualified.
10. US GAAP and US tax experience an advantage.
11. Experience working with partnership structures a significant advantage.

Please note that due to the high volume of applicants responding to our adverts we are regrettably not able to feedback on all applications; only successful candidates will be contacted