Head of Finance Operations Interim NEW

Cedar is partnering with a Private Equity-backed, scaling business to appoint a Head of Finance Operations.

This position sits at the heart of the finance function, combining operational ownership, reporting oversight, and transformation delivery. It is suited to a candidate who is comfortable operating at both a detailed and strategic level, with a clear focus on execution and improvement.

The company is a high-growth, multi-entity organisation undergoing continued expansion and investment. With strong financial backing, the focus is now on building a robust, scalable finance infrastructure to support future growth.

Finance Operations & Delivery

• Ownership of core finance processes across payables, payroll, and transactional accounting
• Ensure smooth day-to-day running of finance, maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and data integrity
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and overall financial control environment
• Provide hands-on support to ensure delivery across key deadlines and multiple workstreams

Reporting & Close

• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring accurate and timely outputs
• Oversee production of management reporting, analysis, and commentary
• Support year-end activities, including audit coordination and statutory reporting

Controls, Risk & Governance

• Strengthen and maintain a robust financial control framework
• Identify operational risks and implement scalable, practical solutions
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external reporting requirements

Team Leadership & Transformation

• Lead and develop the finance operations team, driving accountability and performance
• Drive process improvements across automation, standardisation, and efficiency
• Support finance transformation initiatives, including systems optimisation and embedding new processes

Candidate Profile

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant experience across finance operations, reporting, and controls
• Demonstrated success in improving processes within a growing or evolving business
• Strong understanding of AP, payroll, and core finance workflows
• Proven ability to lead teams while remaining operationally involved
• Strong systems exposure (ERP and payroll platforms) and advanced Excel capability

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to take ownership of a critical finance function within a growing, PE-backed business, where there is genuine scope to influence how finance operates going forward.

You will play a key role in ensuring the function is well-controlled, efficient, and scalable, while working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.