Interim Head of Financial Accounting (6 months FTC)
Interim Head of Financial Accounting
Location: Surrey / Hybrid Working
Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Start Date: June/July 2026
Responsible to: Financial Controller
Line Management: Accounting team
An established and highly regarded research institution is seeking to appoint an experienced Interim Head of Financial Accounting to join its finance leadership team for a 6-month fixed-term contract.
Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, this role will lead a small financial accounting team and play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy and timely delivery of all financial accounting and reporting activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the month-end and year-end close processes
- Prepare and review statutory financial statements in line with UK GAAP
- Support and coordinate external audit activity
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, journals and financial controls
- Manage cashflow and treasury reporting activities
- Supervise and develop a small financial accounting team
- Drive process improvements across the finance function
- Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activity
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting and regulatory standards
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) with:
- Relevant financial accounting and reporting experience
- Strong technical accounting knowledge including UK GAAP
- Experience leading or mentoring finance teams
- A hands-on, detail-oriented approach
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- The ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment
Experience within the research, education, public sector or regulated environments would be advantageous, but is not essential.
What’s on Offer
- Immediate impact role within a well-established organisation
- Hybrid working environment
- Opportunity to lead a capable finance team through a key reporting period
- Collaborative and supportive senior leadership team
To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please apply today or get in touch with Caius Freeman at caiusfreeman@mcleanpartnership.com.
