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