Head of HR Operations - ACCA- United Kingdom

Head of HR Operations

ACCA- United Kingdom

Job Description

ACCA is a values-based, global organisation employing approximately 1100 employees across 40 markets globally with more than 440,000 students and members worldwide. ACCA acts in the public interest, actively promoting ethical business and helping grow economies. We do this by offering business-relevant, professional accounting qualifications which are recognised by employers around the world.

ACCA is recruiting for a new role of Head of HR Operations which will operate as a number two to the Director of HR Delivery and is part of the Global Leadership team within ACCA.

In this new and exciting opportunity which has arisen as a result of a reorganisation you will lead the HR Operations team in their journey towards becoming a responsive,customer focused team where performance delivery for the business can be clearly measured against KPI’s and service levels. Whilst a fully operational HR Shared Service offer may not be appropriate for ACCA at it’s current stage of development this role is responsible for inspiring and leading the team on a journey to transform the contribution by HR to the business.
With accountability to deliver effective operational HR support to the business (i.e. recruitment, employee relations, HR systems, HR services, HR data reporting) on time to agreed service levels across a complex, geographically spread organisation. The role is also responsible for introducing new approaches that will reinforce the importance of compliance and governance to people processes whilst fostering a positive employee relations climate.

Desired Skills & Experience

There is some limited travel required within the UK and internationally. In order to meet the demands of this challenging and high profile role you must be able to demonstrate the following skills and capabilities:

• Degree qualification
• Postgraduate qualification in an HR related discipline, e.g. CIPD - desirable
• Significant experience working in an HR Operations capacity in a previous business
• Knowledge of not for profit or professional bodies would be an advantage
• Experience of call centre environments - desirable
• Past experience of delivering an HR service outside of the UK would be an advantage
• Previous line management experience with demonstrable experience of growing high performing teams
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation across the relevant geographies
• Experience of managing payroll operations – essential within the UK and ideal outside of the UK
• Experience of project managing the introduction of HRIS Systems – the current system in ACCA is Snowdrop
• Strong systems knowledge within an HR environment
• Proven ability of operating effectively in a multi-cultural environment displaying an approach that is culturally sensitive and appropriate
• Outstanding communication skills – both written and oral – to build relationships, provide appropriate challenge and to engage stakeholders
• Demonstrable belief in the importance of executing a professional, consistent and legislative accurate HR service
• Strong customer focus and service delivery ethos
• Commercially astute to understand the business agenda and translate this into people strategies.
• Project management skills to be able to lead project work streams
• Ability to engage, inspire and influence people at all levels
• Ability to operate under pressure with conflicting priorities
• Ability to operate in an ambiguous environment where structure and process may not always be present
• Strong team player capable of building effective relationships across a multi- disciplinary HR team
• Resilient and tenacious individual who is determined to succeed
• Be able to travel from time to time within the UK and internationally

Applicants should have the right to work in the EU.


Applicants should have the right to work in the EU.

Please forward a copy of your CV and a covering letter, including your current base salary and benefits explaining why you are suitable for this opportunity to jobs@accaglobal.com quoting ‘Head of HR Operations’ in the subject line. A full job description and person specification is also available via this email address. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 14 June 2013

Company Description

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation that offers qualifications and sets examinations to enable individuals to access the accountancy profession. ACCA monitors its accountants in all sectors and in all countries to enable them to reach a high level of competency and experience, creating the best accountants to deliver organisational growth.