Head of Operational Finance

About The INKEY List

At The INKEY List, we believe skincare should be simple. We make science easier to understand, so everyone can make informed choices about their skin.

Since launching in 2018, we've challenged the industry by putting education, honesty and efficacy first. We listen to our community, create products backed by science and never overcomplicate what should be simple.

We Give A Care. About our customers, our community and the people who make The INKEY List what it is. We know our best work happens when people feel supported, trusted and able to be themselves.

About the role

As Head of Operational Finance, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across our finance operations, ensuring strong financial controls, efficient processes, effective cash and risk management and high-quality financial reporting.

As a key member of our Operational Leadership Team, you'll work closely with the CFO and senior stakeholders to align financial, commercial and operational priorities, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automation and business performance. You'll lead, coach and develop a team based in Nottingham, building a high-performing, collaborative finance function that supports The INKEY List's continued growth.

Every role at The INKEY List contributes to making skincare simple, more accessible and more effective. This one is no different.

What you'll be doing

1. Leadership & Strategy

Provide strong financial leadership, supporting business decisions and developing a high-performing finance team.

• Act as a senior finance partner within the Operational Leadership Team, providing financial insight and constructive challenge to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Support the CFO with financial risk management, cash management and wider business planning.
• Identify and communicate financial risks and opportunities across the business, ensuring these are understood and appropriately managed.
• Lead and line manage the finance team, setting clear objectives, expectations and accountability, while supporting individual and team performance.
• Coach and develop your team, providing regular feedback, guidance and development opportunities to build capability, confidence and ownership.
• Drive continuous improvement, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and operational excellence.

2. Financial Operations, Controls & Compliance

Ensure our financial operations are accurate, well-controlled and compliant across the markets in which we operate.

• Own the month-end close process, ensuring accurate, timely and well-controlled financial reporting.
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, reconciliations, processes and governance.
• Ensure strong balance sheet integrity, with clear ownership and appropriate review of key accounts.
• Lead the year-end statutory audit, managing relationships with external auditors and advisers.
• Oversee bank audits, insurance requirements and financial assurance processes across the business.
• Ensure financial compliance with relevant accounting, tax and regulatory requirements across the UK, EU, Canada and US, working with external advisers where needed.

3. Cash & Risk Management

Maintain clear visibility of cash, liquidity and financial risks to support confident business decisions.

• Lead monthly bank reporting and weekly cash forecasting, providing clear visibility of liquidity and working capital requirements.
• Maintain effective cash management and treasury controls, ensuring appropriate processes are in place to manage financial risk.

4. Systems & Process Ownership

Make our finance systems and processes simpler, smarter and more efficient.

• Lead Finance's involvement in NetSuite and wider finance system projects, ensuring systems continue to support our evolving business needs.
• Champion effective purchase order processes and develop new ways of working to support emerging technologies and sales channels.
• Identify opportunities for AI and automation, improving efficiency, accuracy and workflows across the finance function.

5. Reporting & Insights

Turn financial information into clear, useful insight that supports better decisions across the business.

• Partner with Commercial Finance to further develop the month-end management pack, customer P&Ls and other key management reports.
• Improve reporting tools and financial insights, helping teams make informed commercial and operational decisions.

What we're looking for

You'll likely have:

• An ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, alongside strong technical accounting expertise and a thorough understanding of financial controls, statutory reporting, audit and compliance requirements.
• Significant experience in senior operational finance roles, ideally within a multi-entity, international business.
• Experience managing cash, forecasting and working capital, with a strong understanding of financial risk and treasury operations.
• Advanced knowledge of NetSuite or a similar ERP system, with experience improving finance systems, processes and workflows.
• An interest in emerging technology and automation, with the ability to identify opportunities to work more efficiently and effectively.
• Strong commercial awareness, understanding how operational and commercial decisions impact financial performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence, challenge constructively and collaborate across functions.
• Proven experience in line management, coaching and team development, with the ability to set clear expectations, manage performance and build a capable, motivated and accountable team.
• A proactive, hands-on and solutions-focused approach, comfortable balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery.

You don't need to tick every box. If you're excited about the role and think you could be a great fit, we'd encourage you to apply.

What success looks like

Success in this role means building a strong, efficient and forward-looking finance function that provides the controls, insight and confidence needed to support The INKEY List's business priorities.

• Accurate and timely financial reporting – A well-managed month-end close, strong balance sheet integrity and reliable financial information.
• Strong financial controls and compliance – Effective governance, successful audit processes and appropriate management of financial and regulatory risks.
• Clear cash visibility – Reliable cash forecasting, effective treasury processes and a strong understanding of liquidity and working capital requirements.
• More efficient finance operations – Improved systems, streamlined processes and greater use of technology and automation to reduce manual activity.
• Better business insight – Clear, relevant financial reporting that supports stronger commercial and operational decisions.
• A high-performing and developing finance team – Clear accountability, effective coaching, strong performance and individuals who feel supported to develop their skills and take ownership.

What you'll get from us

We're committed to creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer:

• Hybrid working – giving you the flexibility to balance work and life in a way that works for you.
• Private medical insurance through Vitality
• An Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family policies & support
• Life Assurance – giving you extra peace of mind.
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays
• Your birthday off – celebrate your day, your way.
• Monthly product allowance – so you can enjoy and experience the products you help bring to life.
• Cycle to Work and Electric Car schemes
• Regular team days and a dog-friendly office – because great work happens when people connect (and we're always happy to see four-legged colleagues too!)

Most importantly, you'll join a team that cares deeply, makes things happen and does it together.

Our commitment

At The INKEY List, we know different perspectives make us stronger. We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to do their best work.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we're happy to help.