Deputy Director of Finance & Operations

Director of Finance and Operations
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Salary: circa £89,000 per annum
Central London | Hybrid working | Full-time


TPP Recruitment is proud to be working with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to recruit a Director of Finance and Operations. This newly created senior role will lead Finance and Facilities, strengthen financial governance and operational effectiveness, and deliver key projects during an important period of change for RCVS.

As the Director of Finance and Operations, you will:

• Lead and develop the Finance and Facilities functions, ensuring high-quality, efficient operational delivery.
• Oversee budgeting, management accounts, payroll, payments, VAT and annual audit, providing strong financial oversight and reporting.
• Strengthen financial governance, controls, compliance and risk management across RCVS.
• Provide clear financial insight and reporting to senior stakeholders, Council and Committees.
• Lead key operational projects, managing priorities, resources and deadlines through to successful delivery.
• Play a leading role in the implementation of the new Finance and HR Management System, working closely with Digital and People teams.
• Oversee the effective running of RCVS's London facilities, including suppliers, building services, security and health and safety.
• Develop and support specialist teams, creating clarity, accountability and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Review existing processes and constructively challenge ways of working to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Deputise for the Director of Operations when required, including attending Council and Committee meetings.

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification, such as ACA, CIPFA, ICAEW or equivalent.
• Experience within a professional or membership body, charity, regulator or other governance-led organisation would be advantageous.
• Strong financial management and reporting experience, including audit, financial controls, compliance and governance.
• Proven project management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadline.
• Experience leading and developing specialist teams, supporting people to deliver high-quality operational activity.
• Experience working effectively with senior stakeholders, committees and governance structures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, reporting and presentation skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, SAGE or similar finance systems, with knowledge of payroll systems.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, with the confidence to constructively challenge existing ways of working.
• Finance systems implementation or transformation experience would be particularly valuable.

What RCVS offers

• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, plus an additional day of your choice.
• Long-service leave and holiday trading.
• Pension contribution of up to 12% of basic salary.
• Private medical insurance, subject to applicable terms.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• £250 annual wellbeing allowance.
• Season ticket loan of up to £10,000.
• Retail discounts through Reward Gateway.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee assistance programme and eMed GP access.

Recruitment Timeline

Closing date: 27 November 2026
Interviews: First two weeks of December 2026


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We are committed to an inclusive and equitable recruitment process and want every candidate to have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, abilities and potential. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to make the process as accessible as possible.