Financial Operations Manager

Description

We are looking for an experienced and proactive **Finance Operations Manager** to oversee the end\-to\-end execution of finance operations in Madrid. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient, accurate, and scalable processes across **Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), billing, and operational treasury activities**. As a hands\-on operational leader, you will focus on process execution, operational excellence, incident resolution, and performance management. You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day\-to\-day functioning of finance operations, supporting business growth while maintaining high standards of accuracy, compliance, and service delivery. **1\. End\-to\-End Finance Operations Ownership** * Own and manage day\-to\-day finance operations, including: * + Accounts Payable (AP) + Accounts Receivable (AR) + Billing and client invoicing processes + Operational treasury (payments, collections, cash follow\-up) * Manage end\-to\-end billing processes, including invoice validation, purchase order matching and payment execution * Ensure accurate and timely execution of all transactional finance activities * Perform and supervise key reconciliations between operational systems and accounting * Oversee the operational month\-end close from an execution perspective * Monitor overdues and ensure proper follow\-up on outstanding balances **2\. Operational Process Management \& Efficiency** * Improve, standardize and document finance operational processes to increase efficiency and reduce errors * Identify operational bottlenecks and lead corrective actions * Drive automation initiatives and continuous process improvement * Ensure operational controls are embedded in day\-to\-day workflows * Participate in the transition or implementation of financial and operational systems **3\. Incident Management \& Operational Control** * Monitor and manage finance operational incidents across AP, AR, billing and treasury processes * Ensure timely resolution of issues related to invoicing, payments, collections and reconciliations * Manage internal and external incidents with vendors and clients * Track and escalate critical issues impacting operations or financial accuracy * Identify recurring issues, perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions * Maintain structured tracking and follow\-up of incidents until resolution **4\. Management of Finance Operations Teams** * Lead and manage operational finance teams (AP, AR, billing, treasury) * Allocate resources, manage workloads and ensure service levels are met * Drive accountability for execution quality, accuracy and timelines * Ensure operational discipline and continuous improvement mindset within the team **5\. Operational KPIs \& Performance Management** * Define, monitor and improve operational KPIs, including: * + DSO / DPO + Billing and payment error rates + Invoice processing and payment cycle times + Aging balances (clients and vendors) + Backlog and incident resolution performance * Ensure visibility of operational performance and drive corrective actions * Support KPI automation and reporting tools **6\. Stakeholder \& Business Coordination** * Act as the key interface between: * + Finance (GL / Controlling) + Operational teams (AP / AR) + Business units / Agencies * Ensure alignment on timelines, processes and operational requirements * Support business teams in operational finance topics (POs, billing, client setup, compliance) **7\. Systems, Scale \& Continuous Improvement** * Participate in ERP implementations, system upgrades and process standardization * Support or lead transitions to centralized or Shared Services Center (SSC) models * Ensure data quality and operational consistency across systems * Work with tools such as ERP, ARIBA, Altair/HFM, or similar operational systems **8\. Compliance and Audit Support** * Ensure adherence to internal policies and financial controls within operations * Maintain integrity of financial, tax and legal documentation * Provide operational support during internal and external audits * Coordinate delivery of documentation and resolution of audit queries related to operations * Ensure readiness of processes and data for audits **Key Competencies** * Strong execution mindset and operational ownership * Ability to manage high\-volume, transactional environments * Hands\-on problem solving and incident resolution * Strong focus on efficiency and process improvement * Leadership of operational teams * High attention to detail and data quality * Ability to work in fast\-paced, complex environments * Clear and effective communication with cross\-functional teams **Experience \& Requirements** * Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or similar * Proven experience in **finance operations (AP, AR, billing, treasury)** * Experience managing **operational finance teams** * Experience in **high\-volume or complex operational environments** * Strong experience in **process improvement and operational efficiency** * Experience working with ERP systems and financial tools * Experience in Shared Services Center (SSC) environments is highly desirable * Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge * Fluent English (required for coordination in international environments)