Interim Deputy Financial Controller

Interim Deputy Financial Controller6-Month Contract | Immediate Start | Higher Education SectorWe are seeking an experienced and qualified Deputy Financial Controller to join a UK university on an initial six-month interim assignment. This is a key role within the finance team, supporting the successful delivery of the year-end reporting cycle, including the preparation of consolidated statutory accounts and external audit requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the preparation of the organisation's consolidated statutory accounts and related disclosures.Prepare year-end schedules, reconciliations and supporting working papers.Act as the primary finance contact for external auditors, coordinating information requests and resolving queries.Ensure accounting records and audit documentation are accurate, complete and well-organised.Identify and resolve complex accounting and consolidation issues.Work closely with finance colleagues and senior stakeholders to deliver key reporting deadlines.Produce and maintain process documentation to support future reporting cycles.Contribute to improvements in financial controls, reporting processes and year-end procedures.About YouYou will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant experience in year-end reporting, statutory accounts preparation and external audit management.You will also demonstrate:Strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS 102.Experience preparing consolidated accounts within a large and complex organisation.Thorough understanding of financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations and audit requirements.Proven ability to manage external audit relationships and respond effectively to audit requests.Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines.Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.Ability to quickly understand and work within existing finance systems and processes.Desirable ExperienceHigher Education sector experience.Public sector experience.Knowledge of the Higher Education Statement of Recommended Practice (HE SORP).This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Deputy Financial Controller to join a busy finance team during a critical reporting period and make an immediate impact.If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.ukTPBN1_UKTJ