Interim Head of Finance

Heidi Wright Recruitment; Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational organization seeks an Interim Head of Finance for a crucial 6-week contract with a chance for extension. This role involves strategic leadership, financial planning, and operational support within a values-driven environment, aimed at making a significant impact during a period of growth.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a real impact in a not-for-profit environment

Flexible start date

Potential to extend beyond the initial contract

Qualifications

• Senior-level finance leadership experience required.
• Strong understanding of budget management and statutory reporting.
• Hands-on, resilient, balancing strategic and operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Advise CEO and senior team on financial planning and sustainability.
• Oversee annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance.
• Support school leaders on financial performance.

Skills

Financial planning

Budget management

Statutory reporting

Leadership

Job description

Salary £52,000 - £60,000 (DOE) Hours: Typically 9-5 (Mon-Friday) but flexible for the right person Contract: Initial 6 week contract, potential to extend and become permanent Location: Penrith 1-2 days per week, with Hybrid, flexible working Start: end of August

Interim Head of Finance (6 week Contract)

Salary: £52,000 - £60,000 (DOE)
Hours: Typically 9-5 (Mon-Friday) but flexible for the right person
Contract: Initial 6 week contract, potential to extend and become permanent
Location: Penrith 1-2 days per week, with Hybrid, flexible working
Start: end of August
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Manages: Small central finance team

About the Role

A highly regarded educational organisation is seeking an interim Head of Finance to provide strategic leadership and hands-on operational support during a critical period of change and growth.

This is a broad and high-impact role, ideal for a senior finance professional with experience in the education, public or charity sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Advise the CEO and senior team on financial planning and sustainability
• Oversee annual and medium-term budgeting, forecasting, and performance
• Support trust-wide decision-making through data-driven insights
• Lead statutory accounts and compliance with ESFA and DfE reporting requirements

School & Trust Support

• Collaborate with school leaders to support and challenge financial performance
• Support onboarding of new schools and manage due diligence processes
• Develop and deliver training to school-based finance staff

Team Management

• Lead and support a small, dedicated finance team
• Ensure robust systems, controls, and processes are in place
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accuracy, and continuous improvement

Core Operations

• Oversee month-end reporting, management accounts, and audits
• Monitor financial risks and ensure compliance with internal policies
• Oversee procurement, payroll (via outsourced provider), and pensions

What We're Looking For

• Senior-level finance leadership experience
• Strong understanding of budget management, statutory reporting, and audits
• Hands-on, resilient, and able to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery

This Role Offers:

• The opportunity to make a real impact in a values-led, not-for-profit environment
• A strategic leadership role with variety and challenge
• Flexible start date and potential to extend beyond the initial contract

To express interest in this confidential opportunity, please get in touch.