Continuous improvement Lead - Finance

Your new company HAYS are proud to be supporting the search for a newly created Continuous Improvement Lead position within a growing, multi-site business. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced finance transformation professional to take ownership of the continuous improvement agenda across Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. The successful candidate will lead key projects focused on process optimisation, automation, systems enhancement, cash collection performance and operational efficiency, working closely with Finance, Operations and IT teams. The role offers a genuine opportunity to drive meaningful change, deliver measurable business improvements and embed a culture of continuous improvement, making it ideally suited to someone with experience in finance operations, shared services, Lean/Kaizen methodologies, process transformation and stakeholder management. Your new role • Lead finance transformation projects from planning through to delivery and benefits realisation. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across AR and AP, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort. • Review and redesign finance processes, workflows and operating procedures. • Implement automation and system enhancements to streamline finance operations. • Strengthen financial controls, reporting accuracy and data quality. • Partner with key stakeholders across Finance, Operations, IT and Customer Services to deliver change. • Define, monitor and report on KPIs, including cash collection, DSO, processing times and operational performance. • Ensure improvements are embedded, adopted by the business and deliver measurable long-term benefits. What you'll need to succeed • Proven experience in continuous improvement, process optimisation, or business transformation roles. • Strong understanding of finance operations, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, billing, or credit control. • Demonstrated success delivering end-to-end projects and change initiatives. • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. • Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in delivery. Desirable • Experience implementing finance or billing systems. • Knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies. • Experience with automation, workflow, or process improvement tools. • Background in a shared services or high-volume transactional environment. What you'll get in return • 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank hols • Pension contribution • Private medical insurance • Employee discounts • Hybrid/flexible working arrangements • Training and development budget What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk