Interim Head of Operational Finance

Robertson Bell is supporting a large, London-based Education provider to recruit an interim Head of Finance Operations on a six-to-nine-month contract.

This is a hands-on transformation role that also requires strong leadership skills. We are looking for an experienced interim who can quickly understand the current challenges across the finance operations function, identify what good looks like and drive the necessary improvements through the existing team.

The successful candidate must have previous experience working within the Education sector, specifically in an organisation where a significant portion of income derives from student or tuition fee income.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and assess existing Finance Operations processes, with a particular focus on Accounts Receivable, Credit Control and student/tuition fee income.
• Provide leadership and direction to the existing team through a period of change.
• Undertake a gap analysis to identify key weaknesses, risks, inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement improved processes, controls and ways of working across the function.
• Build credibility quickly and ensure improvements are embedded within the team.
• Establish robust reporting and management information across Finance Operations.
• Work towards transitioning the improved function back into the permanent structure.

Essential experience includes:

• Previous experience working within the Education sector, with direct responsibility or significant exposure to student/tuition fee income and collection.
• Experience leading teams through significant change and improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the gravitas to challenge established ways of working.
• Experience improving controls, reporting and management information within a finance environment.
• A hands-on approach and the pace required to deliver tangible improvements.

This is not simply a BAU Finance Operations role. We are looking for an interim who can quickly diagnose the current position, identify what needs to change and lead the team through the implementation of those improvements.

Recruitment is expected to move quickly, so please apply now.