Interim Financial Controller

Michael Page; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 110,700 - 166,050; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Job summary

Interim Financial Controller role in Cambridge for a hands-on finance leader. Own financial control, statutory reporting, audits and team leadership from day one.

Role partners with senior stakeholders across international finance teams to ensure robust controls, timely month/year-end closes and compliant reporting in a complex funding environment. Hybrid working with immediate start available.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualified accountant.
• Significant Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Senior Financial Accounting experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP and FRS102.
• Proven experience preparing statutory accounts.
• Experience managing year-end audits.
• Strong financial controls and balance sheet management expertise.
• Previous management experience.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented mindset.
• Not for profit and charities experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
• Oversee financial accounting and ledger integrity.
• Lead preparation of statutory accounts and schedules.
• Manage external audit processes and auditor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee VAT, tax and statutory reporting obligations.
• Monitor cash flow, treasury activities and working capital.
• Review and enhance financial policies, controls and procedures.
• Support finance systems improvements and process optimisation.
• Collaborate with international finance teams and stakeholders.
• Line manage and develop a small finance team.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Interim Financial Controller:

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a technically strong finance professional who can take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, audit management and team leadership from day one. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, ensuring the finance function continues to operate effectively while supporting both immediate priorities and longer‑term objectives.

Client Details

Michael Page are partnering with a well-established international organisation in Cambridge with a genuinely meaningful mission and global reach. Operating across multiple countries, the organisation manages a complex funding and operational environment and is seeking an experienced Interim Financial Controller to provide leadership and stability during a period of transition.

Description

Interim Financial Controller:

• Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Manage all balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
• Oversee financial accounting and ledger integrity.
• Lead preparation of statutory accounts and supporting schedules.
• Manage external audit processes and key auditor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee VAT, tax and statutory reporting obligations.
• Monitor cash flow, treasury activities and working capital requirements.
• Review and enhance financial policies, controls and procedures.
• Support finance systems improvements and process optimisation.
• Work closely with international finance teams and key stakeholders.
• Line manage and develop a small finance team.

Profile

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualified accountant.
• Significant Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Senior Financial Accounting experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP and FRS102.
• Proven experience preparing statutory accounts.
• Experience managing year‑end audits.
• Strong financial controls and balance sheet management expertise.
• Previous management experience.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to operate in a hands‑on and detail‑oriented role.
• Not for profit and charities experience is desirable.

Job Offer

• Competitive day rate.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Immediate start available.
• Friendly and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact from day one.
• Potential longer‑term or permanent opportunity for the right individual.
• Exposure to a complex and interesting international finance environment.