Interim Deputy Head of Finance

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established social justice charity is seeking a Deputy Head of Finance to lead payroll functions and support financial management. This full-time role offers a fixed-term contract and a hybrid working model, aimed at proactive finance professionals with strong expertise in payroll and reporting.

Benefits

30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Online learning via Pact Academy

Friendly and inclusive working culture

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing payroll, management accounts, and financial reporting.
• Understanding of payroll legislation and pension compliance.
• Experience leading or supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring compliance.
• Produce first-draft monthly management accounts and maintain cash flow forecasting.
• Line manage Finance Officer and Finance Assistant.

Skills

Payroll

Management Accounts

Financial Reporting

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Tools

Sage Intacct

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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We are looking for a Deputy Head of Finance

? Hybrid – minimum two days per week in Central London office

? Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

? 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (Interim)

? £57,000 per annum + generous benefits

Are you a hands-on finance leader with deep expertise in payroll, cash flow, and team development? Do you thrive in purpose-led environments where your work drives real impact?

We are recruiting on behalf of our client – a well-established social justice charity – for a Deputy Head of Finance. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values-driven organisation making a difference across the UK.

? Purpose of the Role:

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Deputy Head of Finance will lead the organisation’s payroll function, support the production of management accounts, maintain cash flow forecasting, and line manage two finance staff. This is a key leadership role that combines technical financial oversight with team and process development.

• Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with HMRC and pension regulations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll queries, liaising with the external payroll bureau and internal HR team.
• Continually review and improve payroll systems and internal controls, contributing to efficiency and risk reduction.
• Produce first-draft monthly management accounts, with full balance sheet and profit & loss reconciliations.
• Maintain and update forward-looking cash flow forecasts to support business planning and decision-making.
• Support the preparation of year-end management and statutory accounts alongside the wider finance team.
• Provide accurate and timely financial data to Budget Holders, working closely with the Head of Finance.
• Line manage the Finance Officer and Finance Assistant, providing guidance, supervision, and performance development.
• Champion a culture of excellence, supporting the delivery of a 5-star financial service across the organisation.

? About You:

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and collaborative finance professional who:

• Has significant experience managing payroll, management accounts, and financial reporting.
• Understands payroll legislation, auto-enrolment, pension compliance, and HMRC submissions.
• Has experience leading or supervising staff within a finance function.
• Is confident using finance systems such as Sage Intacct, IRIS/Cascade or equivalent, and is advanced in Microsoft Excel.
• Possesses strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally – particularly with HR.
• Shows strong analytical ability, problem-solving mindset, and an eye for process improvement.
• Brings a calm, resilient approach to periods of peak workload and change.
• Has a clear commitment to the values, mission, and ethos of a social justice organisation.

? What’s On Offer:

• 30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Hybrid working model with flexibility
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and free eye tests
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Online learning via Pact Academy
• Laptop, phone, monitor, and other equipment provided
• Friendly and inclusive working culture

To apply please attach your CV and apply directly through LinkedIn - For more information on the position, please contact [emailprotected]