Interim Financial Controller

Cedar is currently partnered with a growing professional services firm to secure an Interim Financial Controller. The role is a minimum 3-month contract, paying a day rate between £350-£400 per day, Outside IR35. An immediate start is preferred.

The Company
This London-based, owner-managed professional services firm is undergoing a period of operational transformation, with a focus on strengthening internal controls and enhancing finance processes. Known for its commitment to service excellence and collaborative culture, the firm operates across multiple business lines and is entering a phase of strategic systems change.

The Role
The Interim Financial Controller will support internal finance during a time of structural change and system optimisation. Reporting into senior leadership, the role will take full ownership of the day-to-day finance function while contributing to finance process improvement and ERP readiness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the month-end close and preparing timely management accounts
• Managing accounts payable and supplier payments, with appropriate cash controls
• Raising accurate client billing and processing timesheet data
• Performing multi-account bank reconciliations and supporting cashflow oversight
• Coordinating monthly payroll in collaboration with external providers
• Leading on finance-related ERP transition tasks, including data cleansing and UAT
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes and implementing best practice

Your Profile
The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in a hands-on financial control role within an SME or owner-led business
• Strong knowledge of core finance operations, including AP, AR, payroll, and month-end
• Confidence working with Sage (or similar accounting platforms)
• Prior exposure to ERP transition or finance transformation work is desirable
• An adaptable, proactive approach with the ability to work autonomously in a dynamic, service-led environment
• Immediate availability or short notice

Compensation & Benefits
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in strengthening finance operations during a key transitional period. The £350-£400 per day rate (Outside IR35) reflects the hands-on nature of the role and the value of recent SME financial control experience.

The firm operates a hybrid model, with 3 days per week in their centrally located London office. This is a highly collaborative, delivery-focused environment where pragmatic input and operational experience are highly valued.