Head of Finance

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Date: 22 Jan 2026

Location: Manchester, Manchester , GB

Company: Bureau Veritas

Role: Head of Finance 

Location: Wythenshawe, hybrid

Salary: Competitive salary +  Up to 12% Pension, Health Care, and other Flexible benefits 

 

The Role: This position provides strategic leadership of the UK Finance Shared Service Centre (SSC), overseeing core financial operations including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Credit Control, and Treasury functions. The role is pivotal in driving operational excellence through continuous process improvement while maintaining robust engagement across the organisation.

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Finance Operations, Controls & Compliance

  • Lead the UK Finance Shared Service Centre, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant delivery across General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit Control and Treasury
  • Own month‑end and year‑end close, balance sheet integrity, UK statutory accounts and corporation tax submissions
  • Maintain a robust financial control environment and lead remediation of control issues
  • Act as the main point of contact for external and internal auditors, Group Finance, HMRC, banks and senior stakeholders

 

Cash, Working Capital & Performance

  • Drive cash generation, optimise working capital and resolve complex debt and payment issues
  • Own and report on key working capital metrics (DSO, CIDS, cash collection performance)
  • Develop, track and communicate Finance SSC KPIs and service performance

 

Process, Systems & Transformation

  • Build and continuously improve an efficient, scalable Finance SSC operating model across all UK divisions
  • Lead process standardisation, automation and end‑to‑end improvement initiatives
  • Support ERP system optimisation and develop a network of key users and super‑users
  • Lead the integration of new divisions and acquisitions into the SSC

 

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

  • Lead, develop and engage a large, diverse finance team, building capability and succession
  • Set clear performance standards and role‑model strong leadership behaviours
  • Partner with the UK Finance Director on strategic initiatives and transformation projects

 

Key Deliverables

  • Accurate and timely P&L, Balance Sheet and period‑end reporting
  • Finance SSC performance dashboards and KPIs
  • Strong audit outcomes and regulatory compliance
  • Improved working capital and cash performance
  • Consistent, high‑quality finance service delivery across the UK

 

Experience & Skills Required:

  • Proven financial management experience
  • Experience with process automation and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Knowledge of working capital optimisation and cash management
  • Familiarity with FLEX processes or similar governance frameworks
  • Experience supporting external and internal audit functions
  • Experience of working within a large international group
  • Experience of delivering change and transformation programmes within a shared service centre environment.
  • Leadership/development of a large diverse finance team
  • Effective communicator and influencer, both verbal and written, to peers, business partners and senior managers

 

Qualifications Required:

  • Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)

 

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive salary
  • 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays with the option to buy or sell 5 holidays, plus an option to carry over 5 days
  • Combined employee/employer pension contributions of up to 12%
  • Flexible working
  • Flexible benefits scheme, to suit what is important to you including Life Cover, Private health care, Dental Care, GymFlex, Techscheme, Enhanced Maternity/Paternity policy, Give as You Earn scheme & Travel Insurance
  • Health and Wellbeing Support through; Mental Health First aiders, Employee Assistance programme & Smart Health services
  • Working for an Industry leading global Inspection company

 

 

Why Bureau Veritas

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we have worked hard to create a supportive and engaging culture, where individuals are given the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

At Bureau Veritas you can benefit from a busy and varied client facing environment, working with market leaders across a wide range of sectors including but not limited to:

Food manufacturing, Chemical manufacturing, Banking, Retail, Logistics, Power and Utilities including Nuclear, Automotive, Public Sector, Mobile Plant, Emergency Services, Transport and Construction.

We pride ourselves on our partnership approach, which means you will be encouraged to develop strong client relationships - combining technical expertise with service excellence to exceed your clients’ expectations.

Apply now »