Interim Head of Finance

A Multi-Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Manager to provide critical support during a period of transition. This role will focus on strengthening financial controls, supporting audit readiness, and ensuring continuity across finance operations.

Key Responsibilities

Knowledge Capture & Handover

Work closely with the Head of Finance to map duties, deadlines, controls, and key contacts

Document file locations, system processes, and review points

Develop and maintain a live handover and process log

Core Finance Controls

Oversee month-end close processes, including journals and reconciliations

Manage bank authorisations and checks

Ensure robust financial controls and maintain a clear audit trail

Audit Readiness & Coordination

Take ownership of the audit evidence tracker

Allocate requests and proactively chase responses

Review completeness and coordinate audit activity to meet timelines (including mid-October deadlines)

Funding, VAT & Compliance

Manage VAT claims, General Annual Grant (GAG) and other funding reconciliations

Oversee payroll and pension documentation

Ensure compliance with related-party disclosures and governance requirements

Systems & Process Transition

Support implementation and testing of a new purchase ledger system.

Ensure new processes are thoroughly documented and understood by the wider team

Team Coordination

Reduce single-person dependencies by sharing knowledge across the team

Clarify roles and responsibilities

Produce practical process notes to support ongoing operations

Candidate Profile

Proven experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role within the education sector - ideally Multi Academy Trusts.

Strong understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and compliance

Experience with systems implementation and process improvement

Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in an interim environment

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills

Why Apply?

Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a growing MAT

Key role influencing financial governance and operational stability

Collaborative leadership team and purpose-driven environment

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk