Deputy Director of Finance

6-12-month contract | Flexible working | Attractive packageA Yorkshire-based Higher Education institution is seeking an experienced senior finance leader to undertake a high-impact interim assignment as number two in Finance, reporting to the Executive Director of Finance and Strategic Planning.This appointment comes at a pivotal point for the organisation, offering the opportunity to provide immediate leadership capacity during a period of financial recovery, regulatory focus, and organisational change.
The Role
This is a hands-on, senior leadership position operating across both strategic and operational levels.The successful candidate will:

Provide day-to-day leadership of Finance and Planning, ensuring clarity of priorities and delivery
Create operational headroom for the Executive Director to focus on strategic finance, lender engagement and board assurance.
Strengthen financial grip, reporting, and performance insight
Support delivery of year-end, audit, and budget cycles
Play a key role in embedding integrated planning and data-driven decision-makingKey Focus Areas

Leadership & Delivery: Visible, credible leadership of finance and planning teams through a complex and evolving environment
Financial Planning: Oversight of budgeting, forecasting and development of the medium-term financial plan
Cash & Covenant: Strengthening liquidity management, cash flow forecasting and covenant reporting
Reporting & Insight: Enhancing Executive and Board-level reporting to support decision-making
Business Partnering: Supporting senior academic and professional leaders with clear financial insight
Audit & Compliance: Supporting year-end, external audit and regulatory returns
Continuous Improvement: Driving improvements in systems, processes and reporting outputsCandidate ProfileWe are seeking a qualified accountant with:

Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally within higher education or a complex regulated environment
A track record of delivering in financially challenged or recovery settings
Strong expertise across planning, forecasting, cash flow, audit and reporting
The ability to bring pace, grip and clarity in a demanding environment
A collaborative, pragmatic and hands-on approach
Credibility to operate with Executive colleagues and senior stakeholdersWhy This Role?

A rare opportunity to step into a number two finance role with real influence
The chance to make a tangible difference in a critical period
Exposure to Executive and Board-level activity
A flexible, hybrid working model
A highly competitive interim package, reflective of the scope and impactKey Details

Duration: 6-12 months
Start: Immediate / ASAP
Location: West Yorkshire / 2/3 days in the office
Reporting to: Executive Director of Finance and Strategic PlanningFor a confidential discussion, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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