Interim Head of Finance

Investigo Limited; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A public-sector organisation in the City of London seeks an experienced interim Financial Controller to establish and lead its finance function. The role requires a qualified accountant with strong technical skills and experience in public finance. You will manage daily operations, drive budget processes, and prepare statutory accounts, all while fostering an inclusive team environment. This is a hybrid position with a daily rate of £500-£650 for an initial 6-month contract.

Benefits

Daily rate between £500-£650

Hybrid working arrangement

Qualifications

• Significant experience in the public sector.
• Ability to produce and review statutory accounts.
• Comfortable working in evolving environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations including budget preparation.
• Drive the annual budget-setting process.
• Establish finance policies and processes.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Strong technical accounting skills

Hands-on, pragmatic approach

Inclusive leadership style

Job description

A newly established public-sector organisation is seeking an experienced interim Financial Controller / Head of Finance to help set up and lead its finance function during its critical start-up phase. This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong technical knowledge, the ability to work in uncertainty, and a track record of shaping new processes and teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations, including budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Drive the annual budget-setting process, ensuring clear financial planning for the coming year.
• Establish and document finance policies, processes, and controls to align with group-wide standards.
• Prepare statutory accounts and financial reports ahead of year-end (March).
• Support recruitment and structuring of a new finance team (3-4 staff), managing 1-2 finance officers in the interim.
• Provide strategic advice on finance systems and governance to ensure the organisation is fit for purpose.

Ideal Candidate

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Significant experience in the public sector.
• Strong technical accounting skills with the ability to produce and review statutory accounts.
• Hands-on, pragmatic approach with the ability to "roll up sleeves" and deliver under tight timelines.
• Comfortable working in an evolving environment with limited structures in place.
• Inclusive leadership style, encouraging diversity and equity within the team.

What's On Offer?

• Daily rate between £500- £650 per day (Inside IR35, via umbrella company)
• Hybrid working arrangement, 2-3 days per week in London
• 6 month contract