Finance Operations Manager

We have a current opportunity for a Finance Operations Manager on a contract basis. The position will be based in Abingdon. For further information about this position please apply.

The Finance Operations Manager is a key role responsible for the management of processes within the Central Finance Team, delivering UKAEA and finance objectives. The role manages key processes including contingent labour accounting, timesheets as well as month end and year end closedown. As UKAEA Group is fully project accounting based, this role is crucial in ensuring that the project structures are in place, maintained and effective in order to drive accurate and timely accounts.

As a valued member of the finance management team, this role ensures operational activities adhere to current financial standards and are in line with UKAEA Group governance. Understanding impacts on the wider business, taking a holistic view and communicating effectively. Ensuring core financial processes are delivered accurately and on time. Taking responsibility for key processes, collaborating both within finance and with wider business stakeholders.

Accountabilities:

1. Responsible for key finance operations processes, with ownership of the end-to-end process definitions, initiating and implementing improvements, including ERP system update testing and consultations on all change approval decisions, supporting UKAEA and subsidiaries (UKAEA Group).
2. Lead the team delivering core central finance activities, working closely with Finance Business Partnering teams.
3. Lead the delivery of project accounting framework including establishment and maintenance of project structures, and the weekly timesheet postings.
4. Owner of monthly periodic close process, ensuring clear timetables driving timeliness and accuracy from their finance colleagues. Maintaining a culture of continuous improvement and driving efficiency and adherence to deadlines.
5. Finance owner for the Contingent Labour accounting process - partnering with People and Commercial Teams to ensure contingent labour population is understood and all end-to-end processes are followed to ensure accurate capture of associated costs and headcount.
6. Own the operational delivery of position management for finance, working closely with Corporate Reporting and People & Culture. Ensuring key controls are identified and maintained in accordance with relevant accounting standards and delegations, and that risks and opportunities are identified and managed.
7. Understanding and compliance with Best Practise and relevant Global Design principles, including Government Functional Standards. Maintaining a continuous improvement mindset, both individually and in collaboration with wider stakeholders, representing finance in cross-functional process improvement teams.
8. Accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of key finance performance metrics and the adherence to periodic deadlines, as well as maintaining a strong control environment.
9. Effectively lead and manage any direct finance reports, which will include finance apprentices, this will include mentoring, training, supervision and performance reviews etc. in line with UKAEA line management guidelines.
10. Collaborating effectively with all internal and external stakeholders.
11. Communicate with a range of UKAEA colleagues, to encourage a shared understanding of financial requirements. This includes cross-discipline communication and the ability to explain the implications of proposals (and decisions). Ensure balance between financial and project requirements when defining processes.
12. Lead on all relevant audit requirements, ensuring accuracy and completeness of responses.

Specific Qualifications/Experience:

1. A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with substantial post-qualification experience or qualified by experience.
2. Significant experience of working closely with senior business managers & teams.
3. Experience of end-to-end process definition creation and continuous process improvement.
4. Experience of managing key finance operations processes.
5. Experience of managing and developing direct reports essential, experience of working with early careers would be an advantage.
6. Excellent communication skills, including experience of explaining complex financial data to non-finance stakeholders.
7. Highly proficient in Excel.
8. Experience of an ERP accounting system; experience of using Unit 4 (Agresso) would be an advantage.
9. Able to work on occasion to challenging timescales while still ensuring accuracy.
10. Knowledge of Global design principles, and Government Functional Standards is desirable, but not essential.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.