Interim Accountant (HRA and Business Planning)

Do you understand how an HRA really works, not just in theory? Are you comfortable owning journals, business plans and capital programmes? Can you step into a niche role and add value immediately?

A small to medium local authority housing provider is seeking an Interim Accountant (HRA and Business Planning) to support its HRA and business planning activities through a critical period including year end.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, this role is central to understanding the organisation’s financial position, maintaining the HRA business plan, and ensuring capital and major repairs programmes are accurately reflected and controlled.

This is a hands-on role where sector-specific knowledge matters — particularly HRA rules, long-term business planning and capital investment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and updating the HRA and 30-year business plan.
• Producing and posting journals, including capital and major repairs movements.
• Monitoring the delivery and financial position of a £10m annual major repairs programme.
• Supporting year-end close, including understanding and explaining the year-end financial position.
• Preparing and reviewing balance sheet reconciliations with support from an Assistant Accountant.
• Supporting VAT returns and ensuring compliance within the HRA framework.
• Engaging with budget holders and operational teams to ensure financial accuracy and understanding.

This is a niche interim assignment where you can make a visible impact quickly. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of core HRA financial mechanics in an organisation that has been through significant transformation and is continuing to mature its finance function. Hybrid working applies, with a strong preference for on-site presence.

To be considered, please meet these criteria:

• Strong experience working with Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA).
• Background in Housing or local authority finance strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with journals, business planning and capital accounting.
• Ability to operate independently and “land running” in an interim setting.
• Qualified accountant desirable but not essential for the right experience.

This is a 3–6 month interim opportunity. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.