Interim Head of Finance

EA First Compass House; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust in London is seeking an Interim Head of Finance on a 12-month fixed term contract, offering a salary between £50,000 and £60,000 per annum, plus benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme. The successful applicant will oversee financial operations, manage budgeting and forecasting, and work closely with the CEO. Candidates should be fully qualified accountants with experience in a similar role within educational institutions. Flexible working arrangements are available, along with employee benefits such as an on-site gym and wellness services.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

23 days annual leave, plus public holidays

Access to their Well-being service (GP Service)

Flexible working patterns

Free access to an on-site Gym

Free parking at their London-based school

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in a senior finance role within a school or academy trust.
• Strong working knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping and accounting principles.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and negotiate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the CEO and assist the Leadership Team to meet the organisation's aims.
• Own the organisation's finances, including cash flow forecasting.
• Lead on all budgetary control and compliance requirements.

Skills

Budgeting and Forecasting

Leadership

Communication

Time Management

Integrity

Education

Fully qualified member of a recognised professional accountancy body (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CGMA)

Tools

Sage finance system

Job description

We are partnering with a Multi-Academy Trust in London to recruit an Interim Head of Finance on a 12 month fixed term contract (FTC). The role is paying £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus Local Government Pension Scheme.

A London based Multi-Academy Trust who enhance the experiences and life‑chances to their pupils.

Interim Head of Finance:

• Work closely with the CEO and assist the Leadership Team to meet the organisation's aims.
• Ownership of the organisation's finances, inclusive of cash flow forecasting.
• Production of monthly management accounts.
• Lead on all budgetary control and compliance requirements for the organisation.
• Manage a small team of finance administrators.
• Ensure the organisation is in line with government statutory guidelines.
• Assist the CEO to prepare the 5 year financial strategy.
• Act as key contact for the internal and external auditors.
• Maximise income through grants and other activities.
• Partner with Operations to create timely and accurate management reports.
• Ensure the effective implementation and operation of financial controls.

Interim Head of Finance:

• Fully qualified member of a recognised professional accountancy body (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CGMA).
• A minimum of 3 years experience in a senior finance role within a school or academy trust.
• Experience operating at a management or leadership level, ideally within an educational setting.
• Extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial management.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
• A strong working knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping and accounting principles.
• Full understanding of relevant financial policies, codes of practice, and legislation.
• Ability to interpret statutory guidance and professional advice, translating this into effective policy and practice.
• Use of Sage finance system is desirable.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise complex workloads, delegate appropriately, and work to tight deadlines.
• Confident in multitasking while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Able to motivate, influence, and negotiate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrates tenacity and resilience, with the ability to resolve complex and challenging problems.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with staff at all levels.
• Consistently demonstrates integrity and ethical behaviour.

Interim Head of Finance:

• £50,000 - £60,000 per annum. (Day rate will also be considered.)
• 12 month fixed term contract.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• 23 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
• Access to their Well‑being service (GP Service).
• Flexible working patterns.
• Free access to an on‑site Gym.
• Free parking at their London based school.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this fixed term contract vacancy.