Interim Financial Controller - Robert Half : Job Details

Are you a Senior Finance leader in the higher education sector? If so, we have a fantastic interim opportunity available to start over the coming weeks in the South-west, you must be prepared to be in the office 2-3 days a week.Interim Financial Controller / FD-Level SupportLocation: South West England (Hybrid - 2 to 3 days on site per week)Contract Type: Interim (3 to 6 months)Day Rate: £350pd+ (negotiable based on candidate experience) Start Date: Urgent - within the next 2-3 weeksA South West-based university is seeking an experienced and hands-on interim finance professional to provide senior-level cover during a period of organisational and financial transformation. With the Finance Director heavily involved in strategy, this role will take ownership of core financial reporting, controls, and planning. Acting as the operational lead across the finance function, the successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring stability, timely reporting, and high-quality analysis - while working closely with the senior leadership team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong qualified accountant with Higher Education or wider public sector experience, who can operate at pace and provide confidence during a key transitional period.

Role Overview:

Reporting to the existing CFO & FD (focused on strategic workstreams), this role will lead day-to-day financial operations and ensure timely delivery of key outputs. Snapshot Responsibilities include:

• Production of accurate and timely monthly management accounts with high-level commentary
• Financial analysis of income and expenditure, including tuition fee income
• Review and completion of balance sheet reconciliations and key month-end controls
• Support in preparing financial statements and annual report
• Treasury oversight, including input into sustainable investment strategies
• Short- and medium-term cashflow forecasting
• Maintenance of financial controls across reporting, audit preparation, and forecasting
• Collaboration with Finance Director to support statutory audit completion (pending deadline)
• Support provision reviews including student withdrawal and bad debt provisions

Candidate Requirements:

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in Financial Controller / FD-level roles
• Strong technical accounting and financial reporting skills
• Experience working within Higher Education or the wider public sector
• Able to lead or oversee finance teams through busy reporting cycles
• Process-minded with an eye for continuous improvement
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and operating in change environments

Desirable:

• Understanding of university finance
• ERP system knowledge

If you are immediately available and have higher education background and would like to find out more, please reach out - rates and information above are negotiable for the right candidate.

Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: gb/en/privacy-notice.