Interim Head Of Finance

Sheer Jobs Ltd; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Head of Finance for a 6-month term in Northallerton. The role requires strong leadership in finance management, compliance, and transformation within a public sector context. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with significant experience, capable of engaging stakeholders and improving financial systems. Competitive rates offered, with flexibility for permanent application later.

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience required.
• Proven leadership in senior finance roles, ideally in the public sector.
• Familiarity with financial systems transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead production of quarterly budgetary reports and audit.
• Provide expert financial advice and manage compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes.

Skills

Financial leadership

Technical accounting knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication

Education

Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

Tools

Oracle

Xero

Job description

Overview

Interim Head of Finance and Resources

Engagement Term: 6 months, with opportunity to apply for a permanent role when advertised.

Purpose of the Role: To provide strategic and operational leadership of the client's finance function, ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and transformation as the organisation evolves post-devolution.

Key Priorities (Sept 2025 - Mar 2026)

• Lead production of quarterly budgetary reports and treasury management updates for Leadership, the Combined Authority (CA), and Audit Committee.
• Manage the year-end audit and production of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts.
• Lead the budgeting process for 2026/27.
• Support the transition from Xero to Oracle as the CA\'s general ledger and financial management system.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert financial advice, planning, and reporting across the CA.
• Lead financial strategy, performance management, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Oversee service-level agreements for finance-related services and support the development of a unified internal finance function.
• Deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance and Director of Resources as required.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience.
• Proven leadership in senior finance roles, ideally within the public sector or a complex organisation.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including year-end accounts and audit preparation.
• Experience with budgeting cycles, financial strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with financial systems transformation and implementation (Oracle experience desirable).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence at senior levels, including elected members.

Desirable

• Experience in local government or combined authority settings.
• Knowledge of CIPFA codes and public sector financial regulations.
• Change management and business integration experience.

Rate of Pay

• PAYE: £37.02
• Umbrella: £46.75

Location

County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE