Interim Head of Finance
Job Description
Interim Head of Finance
\nLocation: Cambridge (hybrid working with regular London travel)Contract: Fixed-term (6-months)Salary: £65,000-£70,000
\nThe Opportunity
\nWe are partnering with a well-established and growing organisation seeking an experienced Head of Finance to join on a maternity cover contract. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping financial strategy, strengthening governance, and supporting business performance across the group.
\nThis is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader to make an immediate impact within a dynamic, multi-site organisation. This position offers hybrid working with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home and there would be occasional travel to London for this position.
\nKey Responsibilities
\nFinancial Reporting & Performance
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- Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts \n
- Monitor financial performance, budgets, forecasts, and key business risks \n
- Produce insightful KPI reporting to support senior decision-making \n
- Manage cashflow forecasting and working capital requirements \n
- Oversee VAT returns and ensure regulatory compliance \n
- Support statutory accounts preparation and financial disclosures \n
- Drive system improvements, including migration to new financial reporting systems \n
Financial Control & Governance
\n- \n
- Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards \n
- Oversee month-end and year-end close processes \n
- Lead external audits and manage key stakeholder relationships (auditors, banks, advisors) \n
- Manage treasury operations and cash management practices \n
Leadership & Team Development
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- Lead and develop the central finance team, promoting a high-performance culture \n
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations \n
- Drive continuous improvement across finance processes and systems \n
Risk & Compliance
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- Ensure compliance with financial, tax, and regulatory requirements \n
- Support development of governance frameworks and policies \n
Operational Finance & Improvement
\n- \n
- Provide guidance to wider finance teams across the group \n
- Promote consistency, best practice, and collaboration \n
- Drive automation and process improvements across finance functions \n
About You
\nEssential:
\n- \n
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) \n
- Strong technical finance background (ideally audit-trained) \n
- Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience \n
- Proven leadership experience within a finance function \n
- Advanced Excel skills \n
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills \n
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on \n
What’s On Offer
\n- \n
- High-profile leadership role reporting directly to the CEO \n
- Opportunity to influence strategy and drive change \n
- Collaborative and purpose-driven working environment \n
- Hybrid working flexibility \n
- Competitive salary and benefits package \n
