Interim Financial Controller / Head of Central Accounting

Michael Page (UK); Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for an Interim Head of Central Accounting to lead their financial operations within a prestigious university. This role offers the chance to oversee a dedicated team while managing the core accounting functions for a complex organization with a substantial revenue stream. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data, guiding the financial community with updated rules and frameworks. If you are a strategic thinker with a strong financial background and leadership skills, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive and challenging environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement of 41 days

Prestigious university setting

Supportive working environment

12 month contract

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification and significant experience in financial leadership.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and statutory regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage core General Ledger ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data.
• Oversee year-end and audit processes delivering timely financial close.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Accounting Principles

Team Management

Strategic Thinking

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Reporting Standards (UK GAAP)

Education

Professional Accounting Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Complex Accounting Software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced leader for the Central Accounting team. You will ensure strategic and operational success through innovation, planning, organisational effectiveness, and delivery. The role manages the core accounting for a complex, diverse organisation with approximately £1.5bn in total revenue across multiple income streams.

Client Details

Michael Page are delighted to be partnering with the University of Cambridge to recruit an Interim Head of Central Accounting. The role is offered on a 12 month, fixed term contract basis with 2-3 days per week required onsite.

Description

As Interim Head of Central Accounting, with significant experience in a senior financial leadership role within a large Higher Education organisation you will:

1. Manage the core General Ledger and other associated modules to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and security of all financial data to full trial balance, while facilitating appropriate access to all relevant stakeholders.
2. Manage the complex year end and audit process for the Academic University, delivering a high quality and timely financial close process.
3. Manage monthly reporting of I&E and balance sheet information into the University Group's consolidation system.
4. Own the development and updating of the financial rules and guidance in which the financial community operates including the communication and training thereof.
5. Develop and oversee the first and therefore completely new Research Financial Assurance Framework for the University.
6. Provide leadership to a dedicated team of approximately 8-10 finance professionals.

Profile

A successful Interim Head of Central Accounting should have:

1. A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
2. Significant experience in a senior financial leadership role within a large Higher Education organisation.
3. Excellent understanding of accounting principles and statutory regulations.
4. Strong leadership and team management skills.
5. Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.
6. Experience with both managing and using complex accounting and reporting software.
7. Good working knowledge of current UK financial reporting standards (UK GAAP).
8. A strategic thinker also able to work at a detailed level.

Job Offer

1. A competitive salary of around £80,000 - £85,000 GBP per annum.
2. Generous holiday entitlement of 41 days including bank holidays.
3. The opportunity to work within a prestigious university setting.
4. A supportive and challenging working environment.
5. 12 month contract.