Interim Chief Accountant

Purpose of the Role

To provide senior, hands-on leadership of the accounting function during a period of transition, covering statutory reporting, financial control, and year-end close, while ensuring continuity of financial governance and audit readiness. The Interim Chief Accountant will act as the technical authority on accounting matters, deputise for the CFO/Director of Finance where required, and provide stability and direction to the finance team during the interim period.

Key Responsibilities

* Take ownership of the year-end close process end-to-end, including preparation of statutory accounts in compliance with relevant accounting standards (IFRS / UK GAAP / FRS 102 / Charity or HE SORP as applicable)

* Act as primary point of contact for external auditors; manage the audit timetable, resolve queries, and ensure a clean, timely audit opinion

* Lead and develop the accounting team (financial accountants, management accountants) through the interim period, providing technical guidance and maintaining team performance

* Oversee balance sheet integrity, including reconciliations, provisions, accruals, and prepayments

* Ensure robust financial controls are maintained and identify/remediate control weaknesses

* Review and approve complex journals, intercompany transactions, and consolidation entries (where applicable)

* Support the CFO/Director of Finance with board and audit committee reporting, including papers on financial performance and statutory compliance

* Manage tax compliance matters (VAT, corporation tax, or sector-specific requirements) in liaison with tax advisors

* Maintain continuity and knowledge transfer — document processes and ensure a smooth handover to the permanent Chief Accountant or successor

* Support system/process improvement initiatives within the accounting function where time allows

* Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies (e.g. Companies House, Charity Commission, OfS/HE regulator, or sector equivalent)

Person Specification

Essential:

* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

* Significant post-qualification experience in financial accounting/control, ideally at Head of Financial Control, Chief Accountant, or Financial Controller level

* Strong technical accounting knowledge and demonstrable experience delivering statutory accounts and managing external audits

* Proven experience leading and developing a finance team

* Excellent stakeholder management skills — comfortable engaging with senior leadership, auditors, and non-finance colleagues

* Available at short notice and for the full duration of the assignment (critical given year-end timelines)

* Strong working knowledge of relevant ERP/finance systems

Desirable:

* Prior interim/contract experience, with a track record of stepping into complex environments quickly

* Sector-specific experience (e.g. higher education, charity, public sector) and familiarity with relevant SORP/regulatory reporting

* Experience managing organisational or system transitions (e.g. ERP migration, restructuring, TUPE)

* Experience presenting to audit committees or boards
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed