Interim Senior Finance Consultant (Education Sector)

Reed; West Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed in West Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced and qualified finance professional to provide short-term support for an audit preparation project in an education setting. The role focuses on ensuring balance sheets are reconciled and audit-ready within a tight timeframe.

You will work closely with school finance staff, carry out reconciliations, prepare working papers, and help strengthen controls. Fully qualified accountants with education-sector experience are preferred; interim experience

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant education sector experience (schools, academies, colleges, universities).
• Proven experience supporting audit preparation and external audits.
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation experience.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver results within a short timeframe.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial information and supporting documentation for audit.
• Complete and review balance sheet reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve outstanding reconciliation issues.
• Produce working papers and audit schedules.
• Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, and appropriately supported.
• Support year-end financial processes and audit-related activities.
• Identify areas for process improvement and strengthen financial controls where appropriate.
• Liaise with key stakeholders to gather and validate financial information.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Independent worker

Education

ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent

Job description

School in West Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced and qualified finance professional to provide short-term support with a critical audit preparation project.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on finance specialist with a strong education sector background who can quickly integrate into the team and ensure financial records are fully prepared for audit review.

Position Details

• Job Title: Interim Senior Finance Consultant
• Contract Type: Temporary / Interim
• Rate: £250 per day

The Role

Working closely with the finance team, you will support the school with audit preparation activities and the completion of balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all financial information is accurate, compliant, and audit‑ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare financial information and supporting documentation for audit.
• Complete and review balance sheet reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve outstanding reconciliation issues.
• Produce working papers and audit schedules.
• Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, and appropriately supported.
• Support year‑end financial processes and audit‑related activities.
• Identify areas for process improvement and strengthen financial controls where appropriate.
• Liaise with key stakeholders to gather and validate financial information.

Essential Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant experience within the education sector, including Schools, Academies, Multi‑Academy Trusts, Colleges, or Universities.
• Proven experience supporting audit preparation and external audit processes.
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation experience.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver results within a short timeframe.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Experience working on interim assignments.
• Knowledge of education sector financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Experience with education finance systems.