Head of Business Services

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Head of Business Services

Department: Business Outsourcing

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Edinburgh

Description

At EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group (one of the UK's fastest-growing accountancy practices), we know our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're not just colleagues - we're a community. Our ethos, With You, means when our team thrives, our clients do too. We're committed to creating an environment where you can grow professionally and personally, with access to mentorship, learning opportunities, and a clear path for progression.

We're looking for a Head of Business Services to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our firm. This is a senior, strategic position with responsibility for leading and growing our Business Services function, currently made up of 28 professionals.

Reporting directly to our Chief Operating Officer, you'll take ownership of the Business Services strategy and delivery, ensuring alignment with our firm-wide goals while empowering your team to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking Business Services strategy that drives profitability, growth and client satisfaction
• Inspire and lead a high performing team of professionals, nurturing talent and promoting culture of continuous improvement
• Oversee budgeting, reporting, risk management and operational standards within the Business Services function
• Work closely with the Executive Board, Partners and Central Services Leadership Team, offering insight that inform strategic decisions
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies that streamline processes, enhance service delivery and enable smarter decisions
• Maintain rigorous compliance with relevant standards and processes across all services including payroll, VAT, bookkeeping and management accounts

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• A recognised accounting qualification (ICAS, ACCA or equivalent)
• Experience leading a business services or outsourced finance team
• Strategic thinker with deep understanding of business operations and the ability to align finance with broader organisation goals
• Confident to influence at all levels from colleagues to senior leadership
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, risk management and team leadership
• Natural problem solver with an analytical mindset and a track record of driving innovative and effective solutions
• Tech-savvy and open to change, with experience in introducing modern tools and technologies to boost efficiency and accuracy
• Willing and able to travel independently across our offices in Scotland

Job Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 33 days annual leave (plus extra after 3 & 5 years' service)
• Pension (up to 10% employee contribution, matched by EQ)
• Life insurance (4 x annual salary)
• Private medical cover (eligible at certain grades and/or after specified length of service)
• Income protection - eligible after completing 1 year of service
• Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay - eligible after 6 and 12 months service
• Paid volunteering time (14 hours annually)
• EE mobile discount (for you + friends/family)
• Support for CGI qualification & continuous training
• Friendly, inclusive work culture with regular social events

Belong @ EQ, Part of the Sumer Group

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.