Head of Financial Operations

SF Recruitment are working exclusively with a leading business based in Nottingham for a Head of Financial Operations to join their client immediately for a minimum of 6 months.

Key responsibilities will include:
- Ensure accuracy, completeness and integrity of the general ledger, with robust controls over journals, accruals and reconciliations.
- Lead month‑end and year‑end close, ensuring timely reporting in compliance with statutory and internal requirements.
- Oversee preparation, posting and authorisation of journals including payroll, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, accruals, prepayments and cost allocations.
- Maintain and improve the chart of accounts to support meaningful financial reporting and analysis.
- Coordinate audit requirements, prepare schedules and ensure adherence to accounting standards
- Lead, manage and develop the Accounts Payable function to ensure timely, accurate, and controlled processing of supplier invoices and payments.
- Oversee the full AP cycle including invoice receipt, validation, matching, approvals, payment runs, and supplier statement reconciliations.
- Ensure compliance with financial controls, delegated authority, segregation of duties and procurement policies.
- Manage AP‑related month‑end processes including AP accruals, ageing analysis and reporting.
- Lead AP systems and process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, automation, accuracy and user experience.
- Foster strong supplier relationships and ensure prompt resolution of queries or disputes.
- Oversee performance KPIs such as invoice turnaround time, aged creditor positions, and payment accuracy.
- Oversee preparation and monitoring of short‑ and long‑term cash flow forecasts, ensuring adequate liquidity.
- Manage banking relationships and mandates, ensuring compliance with internal controls and optimised cash management processes.
- Ensure timely reconciliation of all bank accounts and investigation of variances.
- Maintain strong internal controls over cash handling and banking processes.
- Oversee monthly balance sheet reconciliations for all assigned accounts, ensuring documentation, ownership, accuracy and timeliness.
- Identify, investigate and resolve unusual or aged balances and escalate risks appropriately.
- Ensure all reconciliations are audit‑ready.
- Lead, mentor and develop the GL, Cash and AP teams, promoting a high‑performance culture.
- Set objectives, manage performance, and support career development including professional qualifications.
- Foster a collaborative environment with clear accountability and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Procurement, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Operations Teams and central support functions to ensure accuracy of financial data and adherence to financial procedures.
- Support organisational projects, system upgrades, and transformation initiatives.
- Develop constructive relationships with internal and external auditors.
- Lead initiatives to streamline processes and enhance the effectiveness of financial systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics).
- Identify opportunities for automation to improve efficiency across GL, Cash and AP operations.
- Maintain strong governance, control frameworks and documentation


This position sits as part of a supportive team and offers a great opportunity to undertake a role within a fantastic business. This role is a long term interim opportunity and will be a Hybrid position 3 days in the office 2 days at home.
Due to the nature of the role please only apply if you are in a position to start a role within 1-2 weeks and are able to commit to a minimum of 6 months.