Are you a hands-on finance professional with strong management accounting and bookkeeping experience? Are you available immediately or coming to the end of an assignment and looking for a good short-term opportunity?

A well-regarded school in Central London is seeking an Interim Finance Manager to join its finance team on a contract until Christmas.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a welcoming school with modern premises and a really good team. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day running of the finance function, with responsibility for budget management, month-end processes and overseeing the work of two Finance Officers.

The role would suit a practical, reliable finance professional who is comfortable getting into the detail, can quickly pick up existing processes and is confident overseeing the core activities of a busy finance function.

The Role

• Supporting the management and monitoring of budgets, ensuring expenditure is accurately recorded and effectively controlled.

• Overseeing the month-end close process and ensuring all financial information is completed accurately and within deadlines.

• Managing core month-end activities, including balance sheet reconciliations, journals, accruals and prepayments.

• Reviewing financial information and supporting the production of accurate management accounts.

• Overseeing two Finance Officers, directing workflow, allocating responsibilities and managing priorities.

• Ensuring day-to-day bookkeeping activities are completed accurately and financial records are maintained to a high standard.

• Providing support and guidance to the wider finance team, helping to ensure the smooth running of the finance function.

The Successful Candidate

• Previous experience in a Management Accountant, Finance Manager or similar hands-on finance position.

• Strong double-entry bookkeeping knowledge and a sound understanding of core accounting principles.

• Experience managing budgets and supporting budget monitoring activities.

• Practical experience of month-end processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.

• The ability to review financial information, identify discrepancies and ensure accurate financial records.

• Experience overseeing colleagues or directing the workload of a small finance team.

• A methodical, organised approach, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• The ability to hit the ground running and work effectively within an established team.

Previous experience within a school or education environment would be beneficial, although this is certainly not essential. We are open to applications from both qualified accountants and candidates qualified by experience (QBE). Above all, the right practical experience, technical foundations and attitude are what matter.

Please note: The successful candidate must be available at short notice and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check as well as work from the office five days per week. 

This is an urgent requirement, and applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates available at short notice are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.