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Lessons in Leadership: What It Takes to Be a Future CFO

​Last Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful and inspirational Future CFO-focused event, where we explored their experiences and journeys. ​All attendees had the privilege of hearing from three fantastic senior finance leaders - Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright and James Wenninger, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their own career journeys — with the consensus across all speakers and focus of: driving meaningful, strategic value across their organisations. ​Each leader shared personal experiences of navigating challenges, leading transformation, and elevating the role of finance from a back-office function to a true business partner and value creator. ​Each speaker offered valuable perspectives, and several key takeaways stood out: Build a team that compliments you : Great leadership means recognising and embracing the skills you don’t have. All three CFOs emphasised the strength of surrounding themselves with good people and team members whose strengths contrast their own — creating well-rounded, agile finance functions. Embrace the unknown with confidence: Whether navigating new industries, acquisitions, or rapid change, one message was clear: lean into the uncertainty and trust your ability to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Blend experience from big & small companies : The synergy of experience from both large-scale corporations and nimble, fast-paced environments is invaluable. The ability to scale thinking and apply structured processes in leaner settings was a recurring theme. Identify and align with key business needs : Strategic finance leaders go beyond numbers. They seek out synergies and align with business-specific needs — from systems integration to cultural alignment — to ensure long-term value add. Own your decisions…fully! : True ownership means standing by your decisions and being accountable for their outcomes. Openly discussed and demonstrated how conviction and responsibility can elevate leadership and trust across the organisation with a wider impact! ​A huge thank you again to Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright & James Wenninger who were incredible speakers and all who contributed to making this event a success. It was a timely reminder of the evolving, multi-dimensional role of today’s Finance leaders. ​Huge thanks as well to all attendees for bringing openness in their points / questions , and energy to the room. Looking forward already to next year!​To hear about future events, contact Jack Curtis!​

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Transactional Finance

Transactional Finance Jobs in Leeds

Transactional Finance Jobs

The Path to Success with a Career in Transactional Finance

Transactional finance forms the foundation of any organisation’s financial operations, ensuring the seamless management of day-to-day financial transactions. A career in transactional finance provides a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of financial systems, contribute to organisational efficiency, and build a solid foundation for growth within the finance sector. Professionals in this field are essential to maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance, and supporting broader financial strategies.

What is Transactional Finance?

Transactional finance focuses on the operational aspects of finance, encompassing processes such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management. This area of finance ensures that financial transactions are recorded accurately and efficiently, supporting the overall financial health of an organisation. Roles in transactional finance are vital for businesses of all sizes, as they enable smooth financial operations and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Skills Required for Transactional Finance Professionals

Success in transactional finance depends on mastering a combination of technical and interpersonal skills:

  • Numerical Accuracy: Precision is essential when handling invoices, reconciling accounts, or processing payments, as errors can disrupt financial workflows.

  • Organisational Skills: Managing multiple transactions and deadlines requires exceptional attention to detail and strong organisational abilities.

  • Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and digital payment platforms is crucial for streamlining processes.

  • Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and creativity are needed to resolve discrepancies, handle payment issues, or improve processes.

  • Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication ensures effective collaboration with colleagues, vendors, and clients.

  • Compliance Awareness: A solid understanding of relevant regulations and standards helps professionals maintain compliance and mitigate risk.

Career Growth Potential in Transactional Finance

A career in transactional finance offers a clear pathway for growth and development. Entry-level roles such as accounts payable or receivable clerks provide opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop a strong foundation in financial operations. With time and expertise, professionals can progress into supervisory or managerial roles, such as transactional finance manager or financial operations leader.

The demand for transactional finance professionals remains steady, as every organisation requires efficient handling of financial transactions. Moreover, advancements in automation and digital tools are reshaping this field, creating opportunities for professionals to enhance processes and drive innovation in financial operations.

While typically more localised in scope, transactional finance roles also support global business functions, particularly in multinational organisations with complex financial structures. This opens doors for individuals to explore opportunities within shared service centres or global finance teams.

Why Choose a Career in Transactional Finance?

A career in transactional finance offers stability, structure, and the chance to play a vital role in organisational success. Competitive salaries, clear career progression, and the ability to develop transferrable skills make this an attractive choice for individuals looking to build a solid foundation in finance.

Transactional finance professionals contribute directly to business operations by ensuring timely payments, accurate records, and seamless workflows. This not only strengthens organisational performance but also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose in supporting broader financial goals.

In conclusion, transactional finance is an essential and rewarding area of the finance sector. By cultivating technical expertise, embracing innovation, and committing to excellence, transactional finance professionals can build successful careers while making a meaningful impact on the organisations they serve.

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Jobs in Transactional Finance