Interim Head of Financial Operations

The Role:This is an interim Head of Finance Operations role for 12 months. The role sits within a finance team undergoing significant restructuring, including the integration of the fees function into Finance. It combines both leadership and hands-on responsibility, with a focus on managing multiple teams, improving finance systems, and driving efficiencies through automation and better ways of working. The role also requires strong change management capability, supporting a stable but reserved team through ongoing organisational change, while balancing technical finance delivery with effective people leadership. Main DutiesInterim Head of Finance Operations role Line management of Income team (9), Finance Systems and HR team (3), and Accounts Payable team (3)Total responsibility for c.16 staff with 3 direct reports (Income Manager, AP Supervisor, Finance and HR Systems Manager)Focus on finance systems, process improvement, and merging of fee-related teams into FinanceDriving efficiencies, automation, and improved ways of working (e.g. online expenses, reduced manual spreadsheets)Supporting FOI requests and ensuring systems are operating effectivelySplit role approximately 50% management / 50% hands-on deliveryWorking with wider finance leadership team to improve systems (e.g. Business World / Agresso)The Successful CandidateQualified accountant, ideally with experience in Higher Education (HE) or Further Education (FE) finance, particularly feesStrong change management ..... full job details .....