Vero Recruitment
Finance Operations Manager
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Financial Operations Manager
Vero Recruitment has been exclusively engaged by Robert Gordon University (RGU) to recruit a newly created Financial Operations Manager, joining at an important point in the evolution of its finance function. Suits experienced professionals who have managed high-volume transactional finance teams.
RGU is rebuilding its finance team following a significant restructure, with an ambition to create a more modern, efficient and insight-led function. This role will sit at the heart of that change. RGU is looking for someone who can make sure the fundamentals of financial operations are absolutely right – strong controls, efficient processes, good cash management and high-quality service – while also challenging how things are done and helping to build something better.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance, you’ll take ownership of financial operations across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Student Finance and Payroll, leading a small team.
For someone who enjoys improving processes, developing people and modernising traditional transactional finance, there is a lot to get your teeth into.
Who is our client?
Robert Gordon University is one of Aberdeen’s largest and most established institutions, with a history stretching back more than 250 years.
Today, RGU is home to around 18,000 students from more than 150 nationalities, supported by approximately 1,500 staff. More than £120m has been invested in its Garthdee campus, facilities and workspaces.
RGU has built its reputation around professionally focused, industry-led education and graduate employability. In 2026, it was named Higher Education Institution of the Year at the Herald Higher Education Awards and recognised as the top modern university in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2027.
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Its Roadmap 2030 sets out an ambition to become the UK's leading work-integrated university, strengthening its links with industry while investing in teaching, research and innovation.
What will you be doing?
You’ll have overall responsibility for the delivery and development of RGU's transactional finance operations, overseeing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Credit Control, Student Finance and Payroll.
A major part of the role will be looking at how things could work better.
You’ll identify opportunities to improve processes, increase automation and strengthen systems, working with IT, Finance and stakeholders across RGU. The University wants someone who will bring ideas, challenge established ways of working and help drive the digital transformation of transactional finance.
You’ll also play an important role in financial control and working capital management, including oversight of debt collection, supplier payments, cash, reconciliations and operational KPIs.
What does the role involve?
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading transactional finance across AP, AR, Student Finance and Payroll.
- Developing a high-performing, customer-focused team.
- Strengthening financial controls and ensuring regulatory, procurement and audit compliance.
- Improving credit control, debt management and purchase-to-pay processes.
- Overseeing tuition fee billing, collection and reconciliation.
- Working alongside the Payroll Manager to maintain strong controls and reporting.
- Driving automation, efficiency and process improvement.
- Developing reporting around debt, creditors, cash and transaction volumes.
- Building strong relationships across RGU.
- Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team through change.
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Who are we looking for?
There isn't one perfect background for this role.
You’re likely to have significant experience within financial operations, AP, AR, transactional finance or a similarly process-driven environment, alongside a strong understanding of financial controls and audit requirements.
You'll have managed people and be comfortable leading through change, improving services and working with stakeholders outside Finance.
Experience within a large, complex or multi-entity organisation would be particularly relevant.
Higher Education or wider public-sector experience would be useful, but it isn't essential. RGU is equally interested in people who can bring relevant experience and a different perspective from other sectors.
What's on offer?
The position offers a competitive salary and an 11% employer pension contribution. RGU also offers 36 days' annual leave plus 10 public holidays, a 35-hour working week and a 50/50 hybrid working arrangement.
More importantly, this is an opportunity to join a finance function while it is being reshaped, with the chance to influence how financial operations work across a major Aberdeen institution.
Interested?
RGU has appointed Vero Recruitment as its exclusive recruitment partner for this appointment. Our process will be selective, with a shortlist of no more than four candidates, allowing us to spend proper time understanding your experience, motivations and suitability before introducing you to RGU.
For more information contact Andrew Ferguson at andrew@verorecruitment.com
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