Finance Operations Manager ROLE PURPOSE Are you an experienced, proactive finance professional ready to make a tangible impact in a growing and dynamic retail business? We're seeking a Transactional Finance Manager to lead and elevate our transactional finance function across Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and Cash Management. Operating across 70 retail stores and a thriving online channel, this is a high-visibility role where you'll lead a team of seven, including two team managers and five accounts assistants, to deliver efficient, accurate, and timely financial operations. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead the AP, AR, and Cash functions with clear ownership of day-to-day performance, team leadership, and service delivery. • Ensure suppliers are paid accurately and on time, and that customer debt is monitored and chased effectively. • Develop and deliver a rolling two-week cash outflow forecast, working with purchasing and operational teams to ensure accuracy. • Manage performance across the team, setting clear objectives, coaching, and development plans to build a best-in-class transactional finance team. • Redesign AP processes and controls where necessary to create a modern, scalable, and efficient accounts payable function—bringing other departments along on the journey with you. • Drive process improvements and automation, minimising manual effort and improving accuracy and compliance. • Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, operations, commercial, and systems teams to improve communication, efficiency, and accountability. • Monitor key KPIs such as aged creditors/debtors, unallocated cash, invoice errors, and payment accuracy. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Accounts Payable Management KPI o % of supplier payments made on time and in line with agreed terms. (Target: ≥ 95%). Measuring both timeliness and cash flow discipline while helping reduce supplier queries. • Accounts Receivable Management KPI o Reduction in overdue receivables >60 days. (target: 20% reduction by end of Q3 vs. opening balance). Tracks effectiveness of collections and debtor follow-up processes. V1 - Updated 29/09/2025 • Cash Flow Forecasting KPI o Weekly short-term cash forecast variance (STCF delta) kept within ±5% of actual outflows. Shows accuracy and reliability of forecasting to support treasury decisions. • Team Leadership KPI o 100% completion of quarterly development reviews for accounts team members, with evidence of progress against individual goals. Supports growth, engagement, and accountability within the team. • Process Improvement & Compliance KPI o Delivery of at least 3 process/automation improvements by end of Q3 and zero material audit findings related to AP/AR. Ensures continuous improvement and regulatory compliance. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE • Proven experience managing AP, AR, and cash functions in a fast-paced environment. • Strong leadership and people development skills, with a track record of improving team performance and engagement. • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and bring cross-functional stakeholders along the change journey. • Analytical, organised, and forward-thinking—able to forecast, track, and report with precision. • Confidence working with senior finance leadership and a desire to make a real difference in the function. • Experience in retail or multi-site businesses is highly advantageous Benefits: Employee discount: amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation Life assurance: free cover of a minimum of two times your annual salary up to the age of 65 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays Birthday: an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday Hybrid working Pension: 4% employee contribution matched by the company Employee Assistance Programme: gives all employees access to both telephone and face-to-face counselling services My Rewards Programme: offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays Free on-site parking