Can you turn finance vision into real-world delivery? Lead the design and execution of a global finance operating model that makes a difference.
This person can be based in our London or Bath office on a hybrid working model.
At Buro Happold, we’re passionate about creating a more sustainable, resilient and equitable world. As a global consultancy of engineers, designers and advisors, we bring together diverse expertise to solve complex challenges and deliver meaningful impact.
We’re now looking for a Head of Finance Transformation & Operations to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our global finance function, embedding innovation, driving performance, and enabling smarter, data-led decision-making.
About The Role
We’re transforming our global finance function to support growth, consistency and digital enablement, and this role is at the heart of that journey.
Working closely with the Group Finance Director and CFO, you’ll lead both the design and delivery of our finance transformation agenda, while ensuring operational excellence across our global finance services.
This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, influencing how finance operates across a complex, international organisation.
What you’ll be doing:
Lead Transformation & Operating Model Design
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Shape and implement our global finance target operating model
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Develop and deliver a clear, prioritised finance transformation roadmap
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Balance quick wins with long-term capability building
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Ensure transformation translates into sustainable operational improvements
Drive Digital, Systems & Data Excellence
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Champion digital tools, automation and analytics to enhance finance capability
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Own and evolve the finance systems landscape, including ERP platforms
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Lead system implementations, upgrades and optimisation initiatives
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Improve data quality, reporting capability and insight delivery
Enhance Processes & Controls
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Optimise core finance processes (R2R, P2P, O2C) to drive efficiency and scalability
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Strengthen governance, controls and audit readiness
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Embed best practice aligned to accounting standards and internal policy
Deliver Transformation & Change
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Lead end-to-end transformation delivery across processes, systems and organisation design
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Partner with Finance and IT to align technology with business needs
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Embed new ways of working and ensure strong adoption across global teams
Lead Operations & Projects
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Provide leadership to Finance Project Delivery and Digital & Systems teams
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Oversee a portfolio of transformation and operational initiatives
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Balance delivery of strategic programmes with business-as-usual priorities
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Drive consistent, high-quality project and change practices across finance
Collaborate & Influence
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Act as a trusted partner to the CFO and senior finance leadership
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Build strong relationships across Finance, IT, Operations and Commercial teams
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Communicate with clarity and influence key decision-making at senior level
What we’re looking for:
Skills & Experience
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Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
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Proven experience leading finance transformation and operating model design, from strategy through to execution
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Strong knowledge of finance operations, systems and control environments
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Experience with ERP systems, finance platforms, and digital tools (e.g. BI, automation)
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Track record of delivering complex transformation in global or matrixed organisations
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Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma)
Desirable
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Experience in shared services or global process ownership models
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Background in professional services or construction environments
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Exposure to systems such as Agresso or Deltek Vision
Personal Qualities
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A strategic thinker who can translate vision into practical delivery
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A collaborative, people-focused leader who builds high-performing teams
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Commercially aware and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels
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Passionate about continuous improvement, innovation and digital adoption
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Resilient, adaptable and confident influencing senior stakeholders
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you will:
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Deliver a clearly defined and embedded global finance operating model
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Improve consistency, governance and control across finance
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Enable smarter decision-making through enhanced systems and data
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Build a sustainable transformation roadmap with measurable outcomes
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Drive adoption of new processes, systems and ways of working globally
Why Join Buro Happold?
At Buro Happold, we believe in creating a better, more sustainable world. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We offer a supportive environment where your contributions make a real difference.
What we Offer You:
Bring your knowledge and expertise to one of the world’s most respected consultancies.
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Hybrid working arrangements.
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Attractive salary and benefits package including, private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection.
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10% Car allowance.
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Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) and flexible holiday arrangements.
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Generous company pension scheme.
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Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans, and corporate discounts.
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Enhanced parenthood leave policies.
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3pm finish on the last Friday of the month.
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A strong commitment to your continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you.
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Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions.
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A commitment to your wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities. A supportive and inclusive environment that will welcome you through social and outreach activities from the Young Employees Forum to mentoring.
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An international culture that wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold, you won’t be far from the exceptional.
Apply now and be where exceptional is everywhere.
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.
Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.
We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing difference allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact [email protected] so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.
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