Financial Operations Manager
The Financial Operations Manager will take full ownership of the Accounts Receivable (AR) function while providing functional oversight to the wider transactional finance team. Reporting to the Head of Financial Control (HoFC), you will ensure robust credit risk management and a high-standard billing cycle. This role offers a high-potential professional the opportunity to manage a team, providing line management to two Leeds-based Finance Assistants. You will play a key role in developing the capabilities of the transactional team, broadening their exposure to ensure a more resilient and integrated finance operation. You will also provide functional oversight for payroll, acting as lead reviewer. As a champion of continuous improvement, you will work with the HoFC to identify opportunities to streamline transactional processes and future-proof our operational workflows.
- Managing the aged debt profile, driving cash collection and serving as the business ‘go to’ for sales invoicing.
- Act as the primary external point of contact for billing queries, collaborating with relevant internal teams to resolve issues promptly.
- Line management of two Finance Assistants; driving the strategic redistribution of workflows and moving toward a more hybrid operating model.
- Performing first-level review of monthly payrolls and maintaining technical knowledge.
- Oversee the Accounts Payable (AP) workflow, providing first-level approval for payment runs and ensuring ledger accuracy.
- Coordinate cash book accuracy and proactively investigate unidentified receipts to ensure the ledger remains clean.
- Review and approve the creation of new vendor/customer accounts and ensure robust master data maintenance within the ERP.
- Partner with HoFC to evaluate operational finance workflows, identifying opportunities for process improvement.
- Acting as the primary liaison for our ERP provider, coordinating technical support and functional enhancements as required.
- Assist with the transactional elements of the year-end audit.
- Other ad hoc duties as required.
- Proven background in AR/Credit Control and a broad understanding of the transactional lifecycle (AP/Payroll/Cash).
- Technical understanding of UK payroll mechanics.
- Keen eye for detail with an ability to spot anomalies when reviewing financial data, e.g. payroll and supplier / staff expense runs.
- Ability to identify transactional control gaps and a keen interest in streamlining manual workflows across transactional areas.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong, professional relationships with remote teams and various internal / external stakeholders.
- Confident using ERP systems (ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) and a proactive approach to leveraging technology.
- AAT Level 4 (or equivalent) – qualified-by-experience is also welcomed.
- Experience leading a team with the skills to line manage remote colleagues (some travel to Leeds will be required)
- Familiarity with US and Irish payroll mechanics is a bonus.
- Working knowledge of UK / Irish VAT rules for sales invoicing.
- Private medical insurance
- Excellent parental leave
- A working globally policy
- Mental health support
- Assistance programs
- Social gatherings
- Pension scheme
- Various other benefit schemes
- Birthdays off work
- 25 days of holiday per year
- Life assurance
- Star card
- Step Further Awards (employee recognition program)
- Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Complimentary access to Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership
- Opportunity to volunteer two days per year with our charity partner
Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company with a clear purpose, to set the standard for trusted, customer-driven experiences across global racing and sports betting. Guided by our mission to create experiences that fans love, we combine more than 40 years of Racing Post heritage with bold innovation to deliver the next generation of content, data and digital products. We operate at the intersection of consumer media and B2B solutions. Our award-winning brands, including Racing Post, Pickswise, myracing and Free Super Tips, connect millions of fans with trusted insight, analysis and entertainment. Alongside this, our market-leading B2B products power the world’s biggest operators, affiliates and media groups. From our Superfeed content engine and Halo live streaming, to Spotlight iQ’s AI-driven insights and our digital and print betting shop displays, we help partners engage audiences, increase retention and drive sustainable growth. Retail remains a cornerstone of our success, with Racing Post newspapers and digital shop displays proven to enhance performance in thousands of betting shops worldwide. At the same time, we continue to invest heavily in innovation, from AI-powered content and multilingual translation to fully integrated digital platforms. Our international marketing agency, ICS-digital and ICS-translate, extends our reach even further, delivering localised content and campaigns across more than 80 languages. With over 400 employees worldwide, Spotlight Sports Group is trusted by leading names in betting, racing and sports media. By combining heritage, technology and expertise, we are powering growth and engagement across global racing and sports betting, today and for the future.
