Interim Chief Accountant

Description:

Purpose of the Role
To provide senior, hands-on leadership of the accounting function during a period of transition, covering statutory reporting, financial control, and year-end close, while ensuring continuity of financial governance and audit readiness. The Interim Chief Accountant will act as the technical authority on accounting matters, deputise for the CFO/Director of Finance where required, and provide stability and direction to the finance team during the interim period.
Key Responsibilities
* Take ownership of the year-end close process end-to-end, including preparation of statutory accounts in compliance with relevant accounting standards (IFRS / UK GAAP / FRS 102 / Charity or HE SORP as applicable)
* Act as primary point of contact for external auditors; manage the audit timetable, resolve queries, and ensure a clean, timely audit opinion
* Lead and develop the accounting team (financial accountants, management accountants) through the interim period, providing technical guidance and maintaining team performance
* Oversee balance sheet integrity, including reconciliations, provisions, accruals, and prepayments
* Ensure robust financial controls are maintained and identify/remediate control weaknesses
* Review and approve complex journals, intercompany transactions, and consolidation entries (where applicable)
* Support the CFO/Director of Finance with board and audit committee reporting, including papers on financial performance and statutory compliance
* Manage tax compliance matters (VAT, corporation tax, or sector-specific requirements) in liaison with tax advisors
* Maintain continuity and knowledge transfer — document processes and ensure a smooth handover to the permanent Chief Accountant or successor
* Support system/process improvement initiatives within the accounting function where time allows
* Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies (e.g. Companies House, Charity Commission, OfS/HE regulator, or sector equivalent)
Person Specification
Essential:
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
* Significant post-qualification experience in financial accounting/control, ideally at Head of Financial Control, Chief Accountant, or Financial Controller level
* Strong technical accounting knowledge and demonstrable experience delivering statutory accounts and managing external audits
* Proven experience leading and developing a finance team
* Excellent stakeholder management skills — comfortable engaging with senior leadership, auditors, and non-finance colleagues
* Available at short notice and for the full duration of the assignment (critical given year-end timelines)
* Strong working knowledge of relevant ERP/finance systems
Desirable:
* Prior interim/contract experience, with a track record of stepping into complex environments quickly
* Sector-specific experience (e.g. higher education, charity, public sector) and familiarity with relevant SORP/regulatory reporting
* Experience managing organisational or system transitions (e.g. ERP migration, restructuring, TUPE)
* Experience presenting to audit committees or boards