Interim Finance Manager

Michael Page (UK); Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable public sector organisation in Oxford seeks an Interim Finance Manager to oversee financial planning and reporting. Key responsibilities include managing the financial strategy, leading the FP&A processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has significant experience in finance roles, professional qualifications, and strong stakeholder management skills. The role offers a competitive salary of £68,000 per annum and the chance to contribute to meaningful public sector work.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance role.
• Track record of improving service delivery outcomes.
• Knowledge of risk management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and accounting processes.
• Deliver strategic financial analysis and insights.
• Manage relationships with auditors and external parties.

Skills

Financial Planning

Cost Analysis

Budget Management

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Finance or equivalent experience

Professional qualifications (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA)

Tools

Excel

Abovo

Job description

• 18 month contract in Oxford, hybrid working
• Qualified Accountant, FP&A and Housing experience ideal

About Our Client

The employer is a well-established public sector organisation based in Oxford. Known for its structured environment and commitment to transparency, it offers the chance to contribute to meaningful work within a supportive team in the accounting and finance field.

Job Description

§ Reporting directly to the MD, a key member of the OCHL Group's Executive Management Team with responsibility to lead the strategic direction of the business and for the day to day decision making. Working in close liaison with and oversight from the Council's Head of Financial Services.

§ Deliver key engagement and partnership skills to ensure successful client services

§ Deploy effective decision making demonstrating the ability to think strategically and tactically around how the implications of the overall outcome/s will affect the overall goal/strategy and how to secure successful implementation and management of risk.

§ Delivering strategic analysis, insight, growth and financial development plans

§ Agreeing financial business plan with the Housing Company, Board and Shareholder.

§ Responsible for the Financial Planning and Accounting (FP&A) and reporting processes including: annual budget; monthly management accounts and Balance sheet reconciliations; weekly flash reporting and year-end reporting

§ Lead and Agree the Group's Treasury Strategy and negotiating loan borrowing with the Council's Chief Financial Officer, on behalf of the Group

§ Responsibility for annual budgets and reforecasts as required. Demonstrating commercial awareness and understanding of effective business conduct taking into account all internal and external factors.

§ In conjunction with the support services provided by the Council to the Housing Company to monitor cash balances including cash flow forecasting of working capital (P&L /revenue) and WIP for Development capital and Investment capital funds.

§ Responsible for Statutory Reports, Payroll and efficient ledgers

§ Ownership of external relationships such as Auditors directly or through SLAs with the Council/third-party appointments

§ Preparation of Board, Shareholder and other reports/papers and presenting on a regular basis

§ Analysing financial information to identify areas for improvement. Reviewing Company spend, contract negotiations etc. to ensure comparative commercial rates and value for money

§ Financial modelling for capital and revenue programmes and projects, in particular the cash flow management of the Group's various development and investment programmes. Developing and maintaining the integrity of Excel, Abovo and other financial and appraisal templates /models.

The Successful Applicant

• Degree or equivalent demonstrable experience in a senior finance role e.g Professional qualifications/CPD: ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA including Business Planning / Programme Management OR qualified by experience

• A track record of developing and implementing continuous improvement in service delivery and improved outcomes in financial and contract management.

• Effective exceptional financial planning, cost analysis, budget management skills and financial appraisal models e.g Abovo.

• Knowledge of risk management methodologies and techniques to support a growing business

• Experience of leadership, commercial acumen and promoting a positive, inclusive and collaborative partnership working culture with an ability to build and maintain great working relationships at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.

• Exceptional communication (verbal and written) demonstrating the ability to negotiation and influence analytical & decision making skills whilst maintaining strong partnerships.

• Experience of a similar role-leading on FP&A management services in a 'Teckal', a Housing Development company, a growing SME, a Housing Association or similar. Detailed knowledge of HRA and General Fund regimes, Local Housing Company Group structures and Governance

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary in £68,000 per annum.
• Flexible fixed-term contract in a well-regarded public sector organisation.
• Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme.
• Opportunity to work in the vibrant city of Oxford.
• Chance to make a meaningful impact within the accounting and finance department.

If you are ready to take on this rewarding role as Interim Finance Manager in the public sector, we encourage you to apply today!