Head of Operations (Financial Services)

About the role

The Head of Operations (Financial Services) will lead a business‑critical finance operations function, ensuring operational excellence, robust financial controls and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will shape strategy, drive continuous improvement and support the organisation through its next phase of growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop high‑performing finance operations teams.
• Own the operational finance control framework and governance across payments, reconciliations, payroll and client‑money activities.
• Deliver management information to support strategic decision‑making.
• Drive automation, process improvement and operational transformation initiatives.
• Manage operational risk, audit actions and control effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Operations, Risk & Compliance, Corporate Finance, Change & IT to influence business‑wide improvements.

Required profile

• Significant leadership experience in finance operations, financial control or operational accounting within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, banking operations and operational risk.
• Proven track record of delivering process improvements and operational transformation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence at all levels.
• Relevant qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA (or equivalent operational finance experience) is desirable.

Required skills

• Financial controls
• Reconciliations
• Banking operations
• Operational risk management
• Process improvement
• Automation

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a key operational function within a respected financial services organisation.
• Autonomy to influence the future direction of the business.
• Hybrid working model.