Finance Operations & Shared Services Manager | Porto, Portugal

Improve International was established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons from across the UK. We run Continuous Professional Development training from veterinary professionals to help develop the skills and knowledge required in practice. 

Our programmes utilise a combination of review lectures, case-based discussion and, where applicable, hands-on practical sessions. Within Improve we also have the function of ‘The International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS)’. This function is dedicated to providing veterinary surgeons, nurses and technicians with high quality, achievable qualifications that are recognised internationally. We are an international organisation with offices in the UK and Portugal. 

Lead Finance Operations across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Billing and Shared Services, ensuring efficient, controlled and scalable transactional processes while providing financial oversight and performance reporting for Group central functions.

Accounts Payable

• Manage supplier onboarding and maintenance.
• Oversee supplier payments and payments runs.
• Ensure timely processing of supplier invoices.
• Manage employee expenses.
• Maintain AP controls and compliance.
• Monitor supplier balances and aged payables.

Accounts Receivable

• Oversee customer invoicing and billing.
• Manage cash allocation processes.
• Ensure customer master data is appropriately maintained.
• Monitor aged debtors.
• Support collections activities.
• Ensure effective Order-to-Cash processes.

Finance Operations

• Own the Purchase-to-Pay process.
• Own the Order-to-Cash process.
• Ensure efficient finance operations across the Group.
• Drive operational process improvements.
• Develop and monitor finance KPIs.
• Ensure operational controls are maintained

Central Cost Management

• Monitor expenditure across Group central functions (Marketing, IT, HR and other Shared Services).
• Prepare monthly cost reporting for central departments.
• Review actual spend against Budget and Forecast.
• Investigate significant variances.
• Support budget holders in understanding their financial performance.
• Prepare monthly commentary and analysis for the Group Finance Director.

Business Partnering – Central Functions

• Hold regular financial review meetings with central function managers.
• Provide financial support to budget owners.
• Review expenditure and identify opportunities for improved cost efficiency.
• Monitor departmental commitments.
• Escalate financial risks and opportunities.
• Support annual Budget and Forecast processes for central functions.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage finance operational systems.
• Support payment platforms.
• Coordinate User Testing
• Maintain finance process documentation.
• Identify automation opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership

• Lead the AP, AR teams.
• Develop team capability and performance.
• Ensure consistent processes across the Group.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement.

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience in Finance Operations, Shared Services, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or similar finance management roles.
• Experience managing and developing Finance teams, ideally across multiple transactional functions.
• Strong understanding of Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) and Order-to-Cash (O2C) processes and associated financial controls.
• Good understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting and month-end processes.
• Experience in cost control, Budget vs Actual analysis and supporting departmental budget holders.
• Experience working in a multi-entity or international business environment would be an advantage.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with ERP and financial systems. Sage Intacct experience would be an advantage.
• Experience in process improvement, automation and finance transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify inefficiencies and implement practical improvements.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. 

• Strong leadership skills – Able to motivate, develop and support teams while promoting accountability and high performance.
• Proactive and improvement-focused – Continuously looks for opportunities to simplify processes, improve efficiency and strengthen controls.
• Organised and structured – Able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and operational processes effectively.
• Accountable and hands-on – Takes ownership of issues, follows through on actions and is willing to support the team when needed.
• Analytical and detail-oriented – Maintains high standards of accuracy while understanding the wider business impact of financial information.
• Collaborative and approachable – Builds strong working relationships across Finance and other departments.
• Confident communicator – Able to engage with stakeholders, challenge constructively and explain financial information clearly.
• Adaptable and resilient – Comfortable working in a changing environment and supporting business growth and transformation.
• Solution-oriented – Focuses on identifying practical solutions rather than simply highlighting problems.
• Commercially aware – Understands the importance of cost control, cash flow and efficient Finance Operations in supporting business performance.

Annual Leave Entitlement: 23 days plus public holidays, one additional day of annual leave after three years of service and a further additional day after ten years of service.

Office Closure: Additional leave on the afternoon of the 24th and the 31st December

Weekly Hours: 40

Location: Central city location (Porto) near public transportation. Hybrid working available

Annual bonus: Discretionary Annual Bonus based on company and individual performance

EAP: Employee Assistance Program (Globally available)

Benefits Portal: Coverflex benefits allowance and discounts; Company-paid health insurance for permanent employees; Reduced-rate health insurance option for temporary employees.

Birthday off, if it falls on a working day

Full training provided

Free tea and coffee and option to bring dogs to work.

Great team spirit in the office and comfortable office environment 

Multi-cultural team and colleagues based globally