We're partnering with an innovative start-up scientific research agency dedicated to transforming bold ideas into breakthrough discoveries to recruit a dynamic and collaborative interim Head of Finance Operations. This pivotal role will connect day-to-day financial management with the tactical leadership required to support the current and future business model of this rapidly growing organisation.
As the Head of Finance Operations, you'll optimise project accounting systems and processes to ensure agility and customer-centricity for Programme Directors. You will serve as the technical accounting expert, ensuring accuracy in accounting and tax matters and compliance with regulatory standards. You will play a critical role in the organisation's growth phase by scaling finance systems, processes, and operational improvements to match the ambitions of the agency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead financial operations and control processes, including P2P, month-end cycles, cash management, and tax.
- Manage financial and management accounts, providing robust financial information and advice to support strategic decisions.
- Develop governance processes for the Research Programmes in line with Managing Public Money principles.
- Evolve financial control policies and processes, including fraud reporting, to minimise financial risks.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including the Audit and Risk Committee, Board, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
- Inspire and develop the finance team to deliver exceptional service
- Oversee accounts payable processing and month-end accounting closes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Actively contribute to developing the culture and values in an evolving start-up environment.
Person Criteria:
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant with significant post-qualification experience
- Experience in overseeing financial operations as well as expertise in leading financial planning and management reporting
- Experience in innovation-led or start-up/scale-up environments
- Proven ability to develop new processes/systems that drive agile decision-making across teams.
- Strong numeracy and excellent written/oral communication skills, with experience engaging key stakeholders.
- Experience in line management, balancing hands-on day-to-day management with medium-term tactical improvements.
You'll work from the central London office, three days per week, and gain truly unique exposure in this pioneering, high-performing and collaborative environment. If you are a proactive, solution-focused finance leader with a vision for the future, please apply today!