Deputy Finance Director

Interim Deputy Finance Director (Financial Accounting & Operations)

c.£450–£550/day (Umbrella)

London | Hybrid Working | 6 months

A leading London-based higher education institution is seeking an Interim Deputy Finance Director to provide short-term leadership and oversight of its core finance operations, financial accounting, and compliance functions.

We require a hands-on, technically strong finance professional who can ensure the smooth running of day-to-day financial processes, team management, and statutory compliance.

You will report to the Director of Finance & Procurement and manage a team of 13 via four direct reports. This is an ideal assignment for someone with experience, supporting audits, and ensuring financial controls are embedded and working.

About You

• CCAB-qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience
• Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting, controls, and compliance
• Proven experience managing finance teams in a complex, regulated environment
• Confident in liaising with auditors, banks, and external advisers
• Comfortable working hands-on to resolve operational issues and ensure process continuity
• Available at short notice and able to quickly integrate into an existing finance function
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or not-for-profit organisations, with knowledge of HE SORP and UK GAAP
• Experience overseeing or supporting year-end audits in a similar setting

This is a great opportunity for a capable and collaborative interim finance leader to step into a busy, high-profile team and ensure strong financial operations are maintained during a key period.

Start date: ASAP

Length: 4–6 months initially, with potential for extension