Finance Operations Manager

We're making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water are delighted to have an opening for a Finance Operations Manager for our highly regarded Finance Department.

As Finance Operations Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping the organisation's financial engine running smoothly. You'll lead the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams, driving accurate, efficient processes while strengthening financial controls, compliance, and cashflow management. This is an opportunity to make a real impact, improve ways of working, and partner closely with the wider business.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure bank accounts are reconciled daily to the core finance system and maintain accurate, up-to-date cashflow forecasting updates.
• Oversee the processing of employee expenses, supplier invoices (across all entities), sales invoices, and customer refunds accurately and within agreed timescales, managing queries effectively.
• Provide timely status updates to the finance team and wider business on invoicing and cash-related matters.
• Deliver effective line management, including recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Set and monitor clear objectives, KPIs, and performance standards, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
• Lead regular team meetings and ensure strong communication across the function.
• Support year-end audit requirements and provide data as required.
• Contribute to finance projects as needed, including system implementations (e.g. ERP).
• Maintain and annually review documentation of all key finance processes.

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Essential

• Proven experience in finance operations or transactional finance management role.
• Strong working knowledge of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and cash management processes.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing teams within a finance environment.
• Good understanding of accounting principles and internal control frameworks.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Dynamics or similar).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Professional qualification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) or working towards a qualification.

Desirable

• Experience of process automation or system implementation projects.
• Exposure to shared service or multi-entity environments.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development
• Accountability and results orientated
• Process excellence and continuous improvement
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making
• Integrity and professionalism

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that's why we're happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we're unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we'll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

At Portsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here's just a taste of what's waiting for you when you join the team:

Holidays Made Better

Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You

We'll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off

You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First

Whether you're welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we've got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Social Events

All expenses covered summer and winter social events

Peace of Mind, Always

Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.

Additional Support When You Need It

We know life has its ups and downs. That's why we offer Private Medical Insurance - provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.

PW Perks Treat Yourself

Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:

• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
  
  and so much more