Head of Finance Operations

The Crown Estate

. Lead the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of Finance Operations .

Posted 10/27/2026contractLondon • United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive leadership in Finance Operations, focusing on accounts receivable, accounts payable, and service charge accounting while driving process improvement and automation initiatives. Possesses strong analytical skills to interpret operational data and ensure robust financial controls and governance standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership Experience In Finance OperationsService Charge AccountingOperational Risk ManagementProcess Improvement And AutomationStakeholder Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Accounts ReceivableAccounts PayableClient AccountingCredit ControlMonth-End Operational ProcessesFinancial ControlsFraud PreventionOperational TransformationData AnalysisProcess Standardisation

Soft Skills

Stakeholder ManagementCommunication SkillsCollaborative LeadershipResilienceAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Accounting Qualifications

Industry Keywords

Finance OperationsShared Service EnvironmentOperational FinanceDigital TransformationAudit Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of Finance Operations
Lead accounts receivable, accounts payable, service charge accounting, client accounting and operational close activities
Ensure robust financial controls, governance standards and service levels
Provide leadership and direction across Finance Operations
Lead, coach and develop managers and colleagues
Drive process standardisation, automation and continuous improvement initiatives
Work with Finance Transformation and Digital teams on testing, implementation, adoption and benefits realisation of new systems and processes
Use operational data and performance insights to identify risks and improve efficiency
Maintain controls covering fraud prevention, reconciliations, segregation of duties, audit readiness and business continuity
Oversee billing, collections, supplier payments, expenses, client money stewardship and service charge reporting
Manage outsourced providers and managing agents
Build partnerships across Finance, Procurement, business units and external stakeholders
Provide reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant leadership experience within Finance Operations, operational finance, property finance or a large-scale shared service environment
Proven ability to lead multiple transactional finance functions while maintaining service excellence through periods of change and transformation
Strong service charge accounting experience
Comprehensive understanding of accounts receivable, accounts payable, client accounting, credit control and month-end operational processes
Experience managing outsourced service providers, managing agents or third-party operational partners
Strong understanding of financial controls, operational risk management, audit requirements, client money responsibilities and fraud prevention
Demonstrable experience delivering process improvement, digitisation, automation and operational transformation initiatives
Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret complex operational data
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on operational leadership
Collaborative, inclusive and customer-focused leadership style
Resilience, adaptability and sound judgement
Professional accounting or operational finance qualifications are advantageous but not essential

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Pension
Performance related bonus
Flexible working
Market leading family policies
Shopping discounts in the West End
Private healthcare
Life and critical illness cover
28 days holiday with the option to buy more
2 volunteering days
Flexible and hybrid working policies