Interim Head of Financial Accounting

Are you an experienced Financial Accounting leader who can take ownership of a complex year end and keep it running smoothly under pressure? Do you thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments where processes and records are improving but not always perfect? Have you led statutory accounts, audit and balance sheet control across multiple entities within Social Housing or a similarly regulated environment?

My client is a rapidly growing organisation within the Housing sector looking to appoint an Interim Head of Financial Accounting on an initial 6–9 month contract. Operating in a high-growth environment that feels more like a scale-up than a traditional Housing Association, this role will play a critical part in ensuring financial control, governance and year end delivery remain robust during a period of continued expansion.

The successful candidate will oversee a broad financial accounting remit across six entities, managing a team of four and ensuring the smooth running of core financial control processes. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the year end process and ensuring a smooth and controlled delivery of statutory accounts and audit
• Managing all balance sheet accounts excluding accruals, prepayments and rent control
• Overseeing Accounts Payable operations and associated financial controls
• Taking ownership of banking and treasury activities
• Managing VAT reporting and compliance
• Supporting the ongoing improvement of financial records, controls and processes
• Leading and developing a team of four direct reports
• Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation to maintain financial stability during a period of rapid growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Financial Accounting professional who enjoys bringing structure, calmness and control to fast-moving environments. The organisation has grown significantly and continues to evolve, so the successful candidate will need to be comfortable operating within ambiguity, working with imperfect information and improving processes whilst still delivering day-to-day operational excellence. The environment would particularly suit someone pragmatic, resilient and delivery-focused who enjoys solving problems rather than waiting for perfect data.

There is a minimum requirement to attend the London office just one day per week. Whilst Housing Association experience is considered highly desirable, candidates from similarly complex multi-entity environments in the Not for Profit and Public Sectors will also be considered. Experience managing financial accounting across multiple entities is important.

To be considered, please meet these criteria:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience leading successful year ends and statutory accounts processes
• Strong audit management experience
• Experience overseeing broad financial accounting functions including balance sheet control, VAT and treasury
• Comfortable working within fast-paced and evolving organisations
• Experience managing teams and developing direct reports
• Prior Housing Association experience ideal
• Experience operating across multiple entities

If you’re an experienced Interim Financial Accounting leader looking for your next challenge in a growing and ambitious organisation, please apply now or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.