The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Global Finance Operations Manager (Large Enterprise)
3-5 years as a ManagerSkills to master
- Managing multiple teams across geographies, leading significant process improvement projects, owning a substantial operational budget, and presenting to senior leadership.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major finance system implementation or upgrade.
- Consistently delivered >15% efficiency gains in your managed functions.
- Built and developed a high-performing team with strong retention and progression.
- Received consistent positive feedback from business unit leaders on operational support.
- 2
Head of Shared Services Centre (Finance Focus)
4-6 years in this roleSkills to master
- Establishing and scaling shared services, managing complex SLAs, driving cost reduction through centralisation, and navigating multi-country regulatory environments.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully expanded an SSC into new regions or added significant new scope.
- Achieved >95% SLA adherence consistently across all services.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a P&L for a significant operational centre.
- Proven ability to attract and retain top talent in a competitive SSC market.
- 3
Senior Manager/Director in Finance Transformation Consulting
5-8 years in consulting, leading large client engagementsSkills to master
- Designing and implementing finance target operating models, leading complex system integration projects for clients, managing large project budgets and diverse client teams, and strong client relationship management.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivered multiple end-to-end finance transformation projects for FTSE 100/Fortune 500 clients.
- Developed and sold significant consulting engagements related to finance operations.
- Demonstrated thought leadership in finance operations best practices and emerging technologies.
- Strong network within the finance operations community.