Job title: Finance Operations Leader
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Public Sector
Functional Expertise: Transactional Manager
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £43,000.00
Location: Glasgow
Job published: 20/10/2025
Job ID: 38108

Job Description

I’m recruiting for a Finance Operations Leader to join the finance team at a leading public body. This is a key role, leading day-to-day financial operations and ensuring the delivery of accurate, efficient and compliant finance processes across the organisation.

You’ll manage a small team, oversee core transactional activities, and play an active role in improving financial systems, processes and controls, all while supporting a purpose-led organisation working to protect and enhance one of Scotland’s landscape.

Why work here?

  • Opportunity to lead a small, collaborative finance team
  • Involvement in system improvements and finance transformation projects
  • Salary of up to £43,000 (pay rise pending)
  • Hybrid model (Typically 1 day in the office)
  • 30 days holiday + 7 bank holidays
  • 10.1%–17.5% employer pension contribution
  • Interesting, impactful work with exposure to public finance

Job

As Finance Operations Leader you will:

  • Ensure the smooth running of all financial transactions and controls, while supporting month-end, year-end and system improvements
  • Lead the day-to-day finance operations including AP, AR, cashflow and reconciliations
  • Manage the supplier payment run and maintain strong financial control processes
  • Line manage Finance Advisers, providing guidance, development and cover as needed
  • Support payroll processing and complete quarterly VAT returns
  • Oversee month-end and year-end close, ensuring accurate reconciliations and reports
  • Support delivery of statutory accounts and external audit requirements
  • Maintain and enhance finance policies, processes and internal controls
  • Work with Finance Manager and Finance Business Partners on budgets, forecasts and reports
  • Liaise with the finance system provider and support the implementation of a new system
  • Provide advice and training to budget holders on finance processes and system use
  • Champion continuous improvement and efficiency across all finance operations

You

As Finance Operations Leader, you’ll bring:

  • Hands-on experience in financial processing (AP, AR, reconciliations, cashflow management)
  • Proven line management experience within a finance team
  • Strong understanding of financial systems and nominal ledger structures
  • Intermediate Excel skills and confident problem-solving ability
  • Excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills
  • Part-qualified accountant or qualified by experience
  • Collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to lead and motivate others
  • Ideally experience with VAT, payroll and statutory accounts preparation
  • Ideally public sector or not-for-profit finance experience
  • Exposure to finance system implementation or automation projects

At Three Bridges Recruitment, two of our values are “striving for brilliance” and “relatability.” I want every applicant to have an excellent experience and ensure this role is the right fit.

If this opportunity interests you, please apply with your most up-to-date CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.