Interim Senior Accountant

Sharp Consultancy; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Consultancy is seeking an Interim Senior Accountant in Leeds to support the month‑end close, lead the finance team, and drive improvements in financial reporting and controls. You will work closely with stakeholders to enhance processes, cash flow forecasting, and growth initiatives.

The role requires strong management accounting, VAT compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and proven leadership in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in management accounting and month-end reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Lead and develop the finance team; liaise with senior leadership.
• Conduct variance analysis, cash flow forecasting, and board reporting packs.
• Manage VAT compliance for UK and multi‑jurisdictions and ensure regulatory adherence.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and internal controls.
• Identify process improvements to accelerate month-end activities.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Management accounting

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

VAT compliance

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Interim Senior Accountant

Leeds | Interim Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Accountant to join a growing Leeds-based business on an interim basis.

Reporting into senior leadership, you will play a key role in supporting the month-end close process, leading and developing the finance team, and driving improvements across financial reporting and controls. This position offers significant exposure across the business, working closely with stakeholders to enhance financial processes, improve cash flow forecasting, and support ongoing growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Management Accounting

• Sales and gross margin analysis

• Overhead reporting and variance analysis

• Accruals and prepayments

• Intercompany loan reconciliations

• Balance sheet reconciliations and valuations

• Stock reconciliations and provision calculations

• Preparation of board reporting packs

VAT & Compliance

• Prepare and submit VAT returns for the UK, Germany, France and Spain

• Reconcile VAT returns to the trial balance

• Prepare and submit Intrastat returns

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial and tax regulations

Cash Flow & Financial Control

• Deliver accurate cash flow forecasting and reporting

• Support the management of cash outflows across the business

• Oversee the administration of foreign exchange contracts

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline and accelerate month-end activities

Business Support & Leadership

• Provide financial insight and support to key stakeholders across the organisation

• Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes

• Support the year-end audit and statutory reporting requirements

• Manage fixed asset accounting and reporting

• Perform P&L analysis to support corporation tax requirements

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team

• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development

About You

To be successful in this role, you will ideally:

• Hold a recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

• Have proven experience in management accounting and month-end reporting

• Demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills

• Possess excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• Have experience with VAT compliance and multi-jurisdiction reporting

• Show a proactive approach to process improvement and operational efficiency

What's on Offer?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business during an exciting period of growth and transformation. You'll have the chance to make a genuine impact, lead a capable finance team, and contribute to the continued success of the organisation.

Sharp Consultancy is a finance and accountancy recruitment specialist assisting accounting and finance divisions of businesses in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire area. With over 30 years' experience we pride ourselves on sourcing excellent finance professionals across all divisions of an accounts function.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction.