Finance Operations Lead

Our client is looking for a Finance Operations Lead to take charge of financial operations, statutory reporting, governance, and working capital management across the group. This is a leadership role for a finance professional who thrives on control, accuracy, and driving operational excellence in a manufacturing environment.

You'll lead a team of five — Payables, Credit Control, Receivables, Taxation & Compliance, and Inventory Control Accountants — and be a key partner in ensuring the integrity of the group's financial records and its regulatory compliance.

What You'll Do

Financial Reporting & Period-End

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
  
• Prepare management accounts and board reporting packs
  
• Ensure IFRS and statutory compliance across all entities
  

Financial Controls & Governance

• Strengthen internal control frameworks and audit readiness
  
• Own reconciliations and ledger integrity
  
• Coordinate internal and external audits through to closure
  

Working Capital & Operational Finance

• Monitor debtor collections and supplier settlements
  
• Oversee manufacturing cost allocations and inventory valuation
  
• Drive EBITDA improvement through financial analysis and cost discipline
  
• Track budget vs. actual performance and lead corrective action
  

Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure accurate, timely settlement of PAYE, VAT, WHT, WVAT, and other statutory obligations
  
• Lead implementation of tax law and regulatory changes
  
• Manage tax audits and compliance risk
  

Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop the finance operations team
  
• Standardize processes and improve ERP utilization
  
• Build a high-performance, accountable finance culture
  

What Success Looks Like

• Month-end close in ≤ 3 days, with >99% reporting accuracy
  
• Nil compliance breaches, minimal audit adjustments
  
• 100% of reconciliations completed monthly
  
• Debtor collections and supplier settlements >95% within terms
  
• 100% on-time statutory filings and payments
  

Requirements

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or a related field
  
• CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or an equivalent professional qualification
  
• FMVA, MBA, or a relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage
  
• Minimum 8 years' experience in finance operations, preferably in manufacturing
  
• Exposure to manufacturing, FMCG, or multi-entity business environments preferred
  
• Strong grounding in IFRS, internal controls, working capital management, and taxation
  
• Proven people leadership, analytical thinking, and business partnering skills
  
• ERP systems proficiency