Role Title: Head of Finance Operations & Shared Services
Location: Cork, Ireland (Hybrid Model)
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a market-leading retail and wholesale group as Head of Finance Operations & Shared Services.
Reporting directly to senior group finance leadership, this high-visibility executive role owns the strategic direction, operational delivery, and continuous modernization of the enterprise finance shared services function. Governing a hybrid operating model across internal teams and strategic third-party vendor partners, you will act as a key driver of digital finance innovation, automation, and operational excellence across the entire business.
Key Responsibilities
- Finance Operations Leadership: Direct and execute the strategy for all centralized finance operations, including Accounts Payable, Supplier Finance, Supplier Income, General Accounting, Master Data Management, Indirect Procurement, and Regulatory Reporting.
- Vendor & Service Governance: Own the Service Management Framework governing outsourced operational teams, driving SLA adherence, quality metrics, cost efficiencies, and seamless service delivery.
- Digital Transformation & Innovation: Champion digital finance initiatives across the function, proactively driving process standardization, RPA, AI adoption, and workflow automation.
- Core Systems Oversight: Serve as the primary finance functional owner for key enterprise platforms, including Oracle R12.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a strategic partner to Group Finance, divisional leadership, store/operational teams, and external partners.
- Talent Development: Manage and mentor the finance operations team, establishing the shared services function as a primary development ground for future finance leaders.
- Risk & Controls Governance: Maintain robust internal control frameworks, cybersecurity risk policies, and business continuity plans across all service lines.
What We Are Looking For
- Shared Services Leadership: Proven track record of leading a shared services or finance operations function within a large, multi-site corporate environment.
- Outsourced Model Expertise: Significant experience operating within a hybrid or outsourced service delivery model (managing third-party service providers and offshore teams).
- Transformational Track Record: Hands-on experience driving digital transformation, process automation (AI/RPA), and continuous improvement projects.
- Qualifications: Recognized professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is desirable.
- Strategic & Communication Skills: Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to bridge high-level strategy with operational execution.
Why Apply?
- Senior leadership role with end-to-end accountability in a prominent corporate group.
- High-impact opportunity to shape digital finance strategy and drive automation.
- Flexible hybrid working model (Work Smart) balancing remote and office-based collaboration.
To discuss this confidential opportunity, submit your application or contact us directly.
