We are seeking an experienced finance professional to provide interim leadership of the finance function during a period of transition. This role will suit a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with strong financial management experience, ideally within the education, public sector, charity, or not-for-profit environment.
The successful candidate will lead day-to-day financial operations, ensure regulatory compliance, maintain robust financial controls, and provide strategic financial support to senior leaders and governors/trustees. Applications are welcomed from experienced Finance Directors, Deputy CFOs, Heads of Finance, or senior finance managers ready to step into a broader leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight of the finance function and finance team.
- Manage budgets, forecasts, cash flow, management accounts, and statutory reporting.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, funding requirements, and audit standards.
- Oversee financial controls, risk management, and internal assurance processes.
- Support annual accounts preparation and external audit activity.
- Provide financial reporting and advice to executive leaders, boards, and committees.
- Monitor organisational financial performance and recommend corrective actions where required.
- Oversee payroll, treasury management, procurement, and value-for-money initiatives.
- Maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, auditors, regulators, and funding bodies.
- Support strategic projects, business planning, and financial modelling as required.
Person Specification
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role.
- Strong technical knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, audit, governance, and risk management.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and provide stability during a transition period.
- Experience within education, public sector, charity, or similarly regulated organisations is desirable.
This is an excellent opportunity for an interim finance leader to make an immediate impact while ensuring continuity of high-quality financial management and governance.