Finance Operations Business Partner/ Head of Order to Cash

The Finance Operations Business Partner will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within the Legal and professional services commercial unit, with a primary focus on optimising cash collections, reducing overdue debt (DSO) ensuring high levels of billing accuracy and reducing aged billing and open renewals. This role will also involve improving Billing accuracy  accuracy, supporting prompt query resolution, managing sales order processes, and driving initiatives to improve working capital. The role will also need to facilitate data-informed discussions during leadership reviews, helping to frame problems and options with financial implications and expected outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Cash Collections & Reduction of DSO:

• Develop and implement strategies to improve cash collections processes and reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
• Analyse overdue debt, identify root causes, and work cross-functionally with Account Management, Centre of excellence, and finance operations to resolve issues.
• Drive initiatives to ensure timely invoicing and payment collection in line with terms.

Sales Order Management:

• Oversee the sales order management team and ensure all orders are processed accurately, and timely with a minimal error rate.

• Assist in managing the end-to-end renewal process for customers.

• Ensure Renewals team have minimal backlog.
• Creation of new process maps and compliance’s controls underpinned with a clear RACI.
• Work with sales teams to ensure alignment between customer orders, product/service delivery, and invoicing.
• Ensure each order has the correct information that matches to the quote and contract.

Cash Allocations & Billing Accuracy:

• Ensure timely and accurate cash allocations across customer accounts.
• Improving billing accuracy and reduction of credit notes by ensuring MDM is accurate and updated.
• Monitor and resolve discrepancies in billing, applying necessary adjustments as needed.
• Ensure the renewals and billing process are working efficiently to ensure invoices are issued accurately, on time, and in line with agreed terms.
• Review and streamline billing processes to ensure consistency and minimize errors.

Stakeholder Management and business Partnering:

• Act as a strategic finance operations business partner to the SVP and senior leadership, supporting operational decision-making with insightful, data-driven analysis.
• Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to understand business challenges, translating complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights.
• Proactively identify issues and opportunities in operational performance by analysing KPIs, financial trends, and efficiency metrics, and present findings in a compelling narrative.
• Recommend and support implementation of solutions that drive operational improvements, cost optimization, and business growth.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional initiatives, offering financial perspectives to support strategic projects, efficiency reviews, and continuous improvement plans.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, continuously elevating the finance function's role in strategic planning and operational execution.

Working Capital Optimisation:

• Work with key stakeholders to identify opportunities to optimise working capital.

Query Resolution & Customer Relationships:

• Support the resolution of customer payment and billing-related queries in a timely manner.
• Partner with account management, finance operations, Centre of Excellence and other functions to address client queries and disputes, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Implement strategies to minimise the recurrence of payment-related issues or disputes.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead a team of finance professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and development opportunities.
• Develop and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the finance operations team.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment to meet business and financial objectives.

Experience needed:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in a senior Finance role within Shared Services or Transactional Finance, with a strong emphasis on Order to Cash (O2C) processes, including Billing, Cash Collections, and Credit Management.
• Demonstrated experience working in SaaS, professional services, or law firm environments, with understanding of ARR, Renewals and contract-driven invoicing models.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, low value invoicing operations, including billing accuracy, invoice automation, and resolving customer disputes efficiently to reduce DSO.
• Track record of leading finance teams of 15+, including responsibility for recruitment, performance development, and succession planning.
• Hands-on experience driving turnaround and transformation programs within finance operations — including process redesign, automation, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Strong capability in mentoring and coaching finance staff, fostering growth, accountability, and engagement in high-performing teams.
• Excellent business partnering skills with senior stakeholders (e.g. SVPs, CFO’s), using financial and operational data to challenge thinking, support strategic decisions, and drive performance.
• Proficient in tools such as Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Salesforce, ServiceNow and NetSuite.

 #LI-EH1

Wellbeing focused – Our people are our greatest assets, and ensuring everyone feels their best self to come to work is integral

• Annual Leave – 26 days of annual leave, plus public holidays and the ability to buy additional days
• Employee Assistance Programme – Free advice, support, and confidential counselling available 24/7 through Care First
• Endometriosis Friendly Employer - We are proud to confirm our commitment to developing an environment and culture that allows those with endometriosis to thrive in the workplace

Personal Growth - Regardless of where you are at in your career, we’re committed to enabling your growth personally and professionally

• Development Programmes – From Future Managers to Leadership Training, our development programmes help you get where you need to go
• Performance Bonus – Our Group-wide bonus scheme enables you to reap the rewards of your success

Financial wellbeing - We understand as well as your mental wellbeing, your financial wellbeing is really important

• Pension Scheme – Our plan with Scottish Widows offers 5% matched contribution by the company
• Income protection insurance – Providing you with support and assistance when you need it most

Recognition – Highlighting and rewarding the great work our people do

• Performance & Talent – Our own technology platform that allows you to get real-time feedback, conversations and goals to help you become your best self

Making a Difference – we provide opportunities to help our people make a difference to the causes they care about

• MatchIt! – Fundraise for a cause close to your heart and OneAdvanced will match part of the funding
• Volunteering Time – Our volunteering leave scheme allows you to use your time to help those who need it
• Pennies from Heaven – donate the pennies from your pay check to help make a difference without lifting a finger