Interim Head of Finance Operations

Interim Head of Finance Operations

Location: Bristol (minimum 2 days a week required on site, preferably 3 and 2 days from home)

Duration: June 2026 - December 2026 (initially)

Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 (salary equivalent / day rate equivalent)

The Opportunity We are working in partnership with a high-growth professional services organisation to appoint an Interim Head of Finance Operations. This role will provide leadership and stability during a period of transition, covering for a planned retirement and supporting the business through an ongoing finance restructure. This is a six-month assignment initially, with the potential to move into a longer-term or permanent position as the business continues to evolve.

The Role Reporting to the Finance Director, you will take responsibility for overseeing the finance operations function, managing a team of 12, and ensuring continuity and efficiency across all processes during a period of change. Key responsibilities will include:

Leading and managing a finance operations team of 12 (CC, AR, AP)

Maintaining and improving day-to-day finance operations

Ensuring robust financial controls, processes, and reporting frameworks are in place

Supporting the Finance Director through an active restructuring programme

Identifying and implementing process improvements to support scalability

Building strong relationships across the finance function and wider business

Providing leadership and direction to ensure team cohesion and engagement

The Business The organisation has experienced significant growth, with approximately 30% year-on-year expansion driven by recent and planned M&A activity. This has created both opportunity and complexity within the finance function, and the business is now entering the next phase of its development. This role will be critical in supporting that transition and ensuring the finance operations function is aligned to future growth.

Candidate Profile We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong finance operations experience and a proven track record of delivering in fast-paced, evolving environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Experience in a senior finance operations or controllership role

Strong exposure to change, transformation or restructuring environments

The ability to lead teams through periods of change and uncertainty

A hands-on, pragmatic approach with attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong internal relationships

A collaborative and adaptable style, with a cultural fit being key

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a high-impact interim assignment within a growing and acquisitive business. There is scope to influence both process and structure, while working closely with an experienced Finance Director. If you feel this is a good fit for you & you are available to start from June onwards, please reach out to Charles Maidment from the Hays Bristol & Bath interim & contracts team.

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