Interim Head of Financial Accounting

Goodman Masson are delighted to be supporting a prestigious professional membership organisation in the search for a Head of Financial Accounting.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the financial reporting and operational accounting frameworks of a high-profile, respected organisation. Working at the heart of the finance function, this individual will oversee all aspects of financial reporting, audit, treasury, systems, internal controls, and compliance.

You’ll be leading a team of accounting professionals and finance operations staff, ensuring accurate, timely reporting and robust internal control processes that support the strategic goals of the organisation.

• Lead the preparation of external financial reports for the group and its associated charities.

• Manage the end-to-end audit process and relationship with external auditors.

• Oversee treasury operations, including investment portfolio accounting and cashflow forecasting.

• Ensure regulatory compliance across accounting standards, VAT, and tax.

• Maintain a strong internal control framework and risk management environment.

• Deliver finance transformation projects and oversee system implementations and upgrades.

• Provide leadership and development for financial accounting and operations teams.

• Act as a key contact for executive stakeholders and committees.

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience.

• Expert knowledge of FRS 102 and experience in both not-for-profit and commercial settings.

• Proven track record in group consolidations and partial exemption VAT.

• Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage audit processes and statutory returns.

• Experience of change management, systems implementations, and process improvement.

• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (experience with Sage X3 and Prophix is desirable).

• Strategic mindset with hands-on technical proficiency and operational rigour.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance leader to shape and drive the financial operations of a dynamic organisation at a critical time of transformation and growth.

Location: London (hybrid working model, 1-2 days a week in the office)

Salary: Competitive day rate + excellent benefits package