Interim Finance Director

Interim Head of Finance, Audit & Risk

Chatham, Kent | £70,000 - £75,000 | Initial 3-Month Fixed Term Contract

ACA | ACCA | CIMA | Finance Director | Head of Finance | Audit | Risk | Governance | Management Accounts | Commercial Finance

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Head of Finance, Audit & Risk to join a well-established commercial organisation in Chatham on an initial three-month fixed-term contract.

This is a hands-on leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, offering the opportunity to provide strategic financial leadership while remaining involved in day-to-day operational finance, governance and risk management. The organisation is also open to considering candidates looking for a three or four-day working week.

The Role

You'll take ownership of the finance function while ensuring robust governance, audit coordination and risk management across the business. This position requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and confidently engage with senior stakeholders and Board members.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading budgeting, forecasting and management accounting activities
Preparing statutory accounts and overseeing financial reporting
Managing cash flow, working capital and commercial performance
Coordinating the external audit process and implementing recommendations
Maintaining and developing the corporate risk register
Supporting the Board and Audit & Risk Committee with high-quality reporting
Ensuring effective governance, compliance and internal controls
Monitoring contractual, financial and operational risks
Driving benchmarking and value-for-money initiatives to improve commercial performance
Supporting business decision-making through clear financial insight and analysisAbout You

We're looking for an experienced senior finance professional who can quickly add value within a commercially focused environment.

You'll ideally have:

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification
Previous experience as a Head of Finance, Finance Director or similar senior finance leadership role
Strong experience in financial management, governance and audit
Excellent knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting
Experience working with Boards and Audit & Risk Committees
Strong commercial awareness and risk management capability
The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholdersExperience within a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCO), public sector commercial organisation or similar environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer

Salary of £70,000 - £75,000
Initial 3-month fixed-term contract
Potential for a 3 or 4-day working week
Free parking
Company pension
Life insurance
Employee discount scheme
Free flu vaccinations
Casual dresIf you're an experienced finance leader who enjoys combining strategic oversight with hands-on delivery and are available for an interim assignment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact New Appointments Group for a confidential discussion.

New Appointments Group, Expertly Matching Employers and Jobseekers since 1975.

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We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.

Please note: We are unable to accept applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK or are not within a commutable distance to location
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed