Interim Head of Finance (6-month FTC)

Rutherford Cross; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking an Interim Head of Finance for an initial 6-month contract. This role involves strategic leadership, financial management, and team development, requiring a professionally qualified accountant. The position offers a competitive salary up to £75,000 per annum, excellent pension and benefits, and a hybrid working model. Immediate availability is preferred. Interested candidates should contact Christina McLean for more information.

Benefits

Excellent pension

Benefits

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Must be available immediately.
• Experience in public sector finance is desirable.
• Essential experience in budget management and year-end accounting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational support for accounting.
• Deliver high-quality financial management information.
• Oversee year-end accounting entries and statutory returns.
• Manage and develop a finance team.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budget management

Team leadership

Influencing and change management

Education

Professionally Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, ICAEW)

Job description

Rutherford Cross is delighted to be working exclusively with a public sector organisation based in the Central Belt of Scotland to appoint an Interim Head of Finance for an initial 6‑month period.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic leadership and operational support for the accounting function
• Delivering high‑quality financial management information and professional advice to senior managers and budget holders
• Leading budget preparation, monitoring and reporting, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and best practice
• Overseeing year‑end accounting entries and statutory financial returns within required timescales
• Developing and implementing medium‑term financial strategies aligned with organisational priorities
• Managing and developing a team of qualified and non‑qualified finance staff, promoting performance and wellbeing
• Driving process improvements, benchmarking, and adoption of best practice
• Supporting corporate policy development, strategic planning and partnership working with internal and external stakeholders
• Providing financial commentary and analysis for committees and senior leadership teams
• Ensuring robust financial controls, risk management, and business continuity arrangements
• Delivering financial training to non‑financial managers to improve awareness and accountability

Ideal Candidate

• Professionally Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, ICAEW)
• Available immediately
• Experience in public sector finance (desirable), budget management, year‑end accounting, and team leadership (essential)
• Strong skills in strategic planning, influencing and change management within complex organisations

On Offer

• Salary up to £75,000 p.a.
• Excellent pension + benefits
• Hybrid working (2‑3 days in office)

For more information, please contact Christina McLean at Rutherford Cross – [e-mail].

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.