This isn't your typical finance leadership role. Our client is a fast-growing, design-led European hospitality group that is redefining what a modern lifestyle experience can be.

As they enter an exciting new chapter of brand evolution and European expansion, they are looking for a hands-on, commercially savvy finance leader to take ownership of their Head Office Finance function. This is a high-impact role where you will shape processes, lead change, and directly influence the efficiency and accuracy of financial operations across the UK and Europe.

As Group Finance Operation Manager, you will be the operational engine of the finance function. Leading a team of around 20 people across AP and AR, you will ensure that all transactional finance activities are accurate, timely, and fully compliant. Your mission? To drive efficiency, embed best practice, and build a high-performing team that delivers excellence.

This role is based on site 5 days p/week in Liverpool St.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead & Inspire: Manage, coach, and develop a team of 4 direct and 15 indirect reports across AP and AR. Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee the end-to-end AP process, ensuring timely and accurate invoice processing, robust payment controls, and strong vendor relationships.
• Manage the full AR cycle, from guest and partner billing to proactive credit control, collections, and revenue reconciliation across all properties and channels.
• Own the Controls: Maintain a rock-solid control environment. Ensure all processes are clearly documented, compliant with local legislation, and aligned with group KPIs.
• Champion Automation & Efficiency: Identify and implement opportunities for process automation and system optimisation. Drive significant efficiency gains across the shared services function.
• Deliver Month-End: Take ownership of month-end tasks, including journal sign-offs, reconciliations, bad debt provisions, and accruals.
• Be the Bridge: Act as the key escalation point and trusted partner for internal stakeholders and external vendors. Represent the shared services function on business-wide projects, leading the roll-out of new regulatory requirements (e.g., e-invoicing) and system integrations.

You will have:

• Proven Leadership Experience: A strong track record of managing day-to-day transactional finance operations (AP/AR) at a managerial level, ideally within a multi-site or multi-country environment.
• A Problem-Solver's Mindset: You don't just fix issues—you find the root cause and build systems to stop them from recurring. You are curious, analytical, and data-driven.
• Strong Business Acumen: You understand the bigger picture and can build effective relationships across different functions to deliver business outcomes.
• The Ability to Juggle: You are highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing business.
• Impeccable Attention to Detail: Accuracy is non-negotiable. You have a logical, structured approach to your work.
• Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Advanced Excel skills are a must. Experience with Netsuite and PMS/POS systems would be a significant advantage.
• Systems Improvement: Demonstrable experience in using systems to deliver process improvements and solve complex operational challenges.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven success in managing external relationships and acting as a key point of contact.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.