Finance Operations Lead

Role Overview

This is a hands-on leadership position for a seasoned finance professional who will own the full spectrum of financial operations across a manufacturing group. You will manage a team of five covering payables, credit control, receivables, tax and compliance, and inventory accounting, while personally driving the accuracy of financial records, the strength of internal controls, and the smooth execution of statutory reporting. By combining disciplined period-end management with sharp working capital oversight, you will directly contribute to the group’s EBITDA performance and regulatory standing. Success in this role is measured by a month-end close completed within three days, reporting accuracy above 99%, zero compliance breaches, and the consistent on-time submission of all statutory filings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes, preparing management accounts and board reporting packs that give senior stakeholders a clear view of group financial performance.
• Ensure IFRS compliance and statutory reporting accuracy for every legal entity, staying ahead of changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strengthen the internal control framework and audit readiness by owning reconciliation processes, safeguarding ledger integrity, and coordinating internal and external audits through to full closure.
• Manage working capital actively: monitor debtor collections, drive supplier settlement efficiency, and keep cash flow discipline front and centre across all operating units.
• Oversee manufacturing cost allocations and inventory valuation, working closely with production and supply chain teams to ensure accurate product costing and stock positions.
• Track budget versus actual performance, investigate variances, and lead corrective action plans that support EBITDA improvement and cost discipline.
• Ensure accurate and timely settlement of all statutory obligations, including PAYE, VAT, WHT, WVAT, and other taxes, while managing tax audits and implementing changes in tax law.
• Supervise, coach, and develop the finance operations team, standardising processes and maximising ERP system usage to build a high-accountability finance culture.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• A professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or an equivalent credential — an FMVA, MBA, or other relevant postgraduate qualification is a strong advantage.
• At least eight years of experience in finance operations, with a clear preference for candidates who have worked in manufacturing, FMCG, or multi-entity group environments.
• Deep knowledge of IFRS, internal controls, working capital management, and taxation, including hands-on experience with statutory filings and tax audits.
• Proven people leadership ability, with a track record of developing teams and fostering accountability.
• Strong analytical thinking and business partnering skills, comfortable challenging the status quo and influencing non-finance stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and the ability to leverage technology to improve reporting speed and accuracy.