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