Head of Finance and Operations

About Decision Lab

Decision Lab is an insights-driven consulting firm helping organisations in Southeast Asia make better commercial decisions in fast-changing markets.

We combine research, data, and strategic thinking to help brands, investors, and institutions move with greater clarity and confidence.

We are 30 future colleagues within a growing consulting business with high standards, strong momentum, and a clear ambition to become one of the region's most respected commercial advisory firms.

That growth requires stronger operational structure — not bureaucracy, but practical systems that help smart people do great work consistently.

That is where this role comes in.

About the role

We are looking for a commercially minded Head of Finance & Operations to help build the operational foundation for Decision Lab's next phase of growth.

This is not a traditional corporate finance leadership role.

You will work closely with the CEO and practice leaders to improve how the business operates day-to-day: building structure where needed, improving visibility and accountability, supporting commercial decision-making, and helping our consulting teams run more effectively as we scale.

The role combines finance leadership, operational management, and business partnering in a fast-moving SME environment where priorities shift and systems are still being built.

You should be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership — leading a lean support function of 3-4 team members while improving processes, solving problems, and helping the business operate with greater clarity and discipline over time.

What you will focus on

Finance & business visibility

• Improve financial reporting, forecasting, and cash flow visibility
• Support practice leaders with budgeting, commercial tracking, and performance visibility
• Build simple, reliable management reporting that helps leadership make better decisions
• Strengthen operational discipline around invoicing, receivables, approvals, and vendor management
• Oversee accounting, tax, audit, and compliance processes together with the finance team

Operational leadership

• Improve internal processes and coordination across finance, HR, administration, and commercial operations
• Help build a support function that enables consultants and practice teams to perform at a high level
• Reduce operational friction, improve accountability, and increase reliability across day-to-day operations
• Work closely with the CEO on operational priorities as the company grows
• Lead and develop a lean internal support team over time

Commercial partnership

• Partner with practice leaders on budgeting, planning, and commercial performance
• Help non-finance leaders become more confident using numbers and managing performance
• Support better planning, resource allocation, and operational decision-making across the business
• Build processes that support growth without creating unnecessary complexity

What we are looking for

Background & experience

• Experience leading finance and operations within an SME, agency, consulting firm, or other professional services business
• Strong understanding of how project-based or consulting businesses operate commercially
• Comfortable working in environments where structure is still evolving and priorities can shift quickly
• Strong financial and operational instincts combined with practical problem-solving ability
• Experience managing or overseeing support functions beyond finance, including HR or administration
• Strong understanding of Vietnam's finance, tax, and compliance environment
• Excellent English communication skills, written and spoken

Mindset & behaviour

• You take ownership and solve problems rather than waiting for perfect structure
• You are hands-on, practical, and comfortable operating in a lean organisation
• You can balance detail with commercial understanding
• You communicate clearly and directly with both leadership and junior staff
• You are comfortable working closely with a founder and contributing beyond your formal scope when needed
• You care about helping the business operate better — not just maintaining processes

Why this role is interesting

This is an opportunity to help shape how a fast-growing consulting company operates as it scales.

You will work closely with the CEO and leadership team, have significant influence on how the organisation develops, and play a key role in building the systems, processes, and operational discipline needed to support long-term growth.

The role is best suited for someone who enjoys building, improving, and solving problems in a dynamic environment — and who wants meaningful ownership rather than a narrow corporate function.

About the team

You will work closely with practice leaders across Finance, Education, Experience Economy, and Insight Velocity, supporting consulting teams delivering work for clients across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The support function currently consists of a lean existing team, with further hiring planned as the business continues to grow.