At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance improvement projects and modernise financial systems for a growing retail business.
- Company: Dynamic retail and distribution company recently acquired by an international group.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, competitive day rate, and immediate start.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and enhance your career in a hybrid environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with experience in finance systems improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to conduct some project and transformation work for a successful business that has recently been acquired by an international group.
Operating in the retail and distribution sector they have enjoyed steady growth across all product categories and with the support of a closely aligned parent company they are now in a strong position to create synergies and leverage expansion opportunities across Europe and the US.
This new role is offered on an interim basis, initially circa 3-6 months to bridge a short-term gap and lead a defined set of finance projects while they decide whether to recruit permanently.
This is a part-time engagement (around 3 days per week) with an immediate start.
The role will work closely with the Group CFO at the parent company and the site MD to drive structural improvement and provide stability during a period of transition.
Key objectives will be: Lead a defined programme of finance improvement and transformation projects, focused on the quality and reliability of financial information.
Modernise financial systems and processes, and prepare them for closer integration within parent group reporting.
Strengthen monthly management accounts and reporting the leadership team relies on to make decisions.
Provide oversight of international tax, VAT and import duties across key markets (UK, EU, US, AU).
Support and steady the existing finance team through the handover period, working alongside them rather than taking over day-to-day operations.
Document the work and leave each project in a clean state for the incoming permanent Head of Finance. Essential skills and experience:
Ideally ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, with experience at a similar level.
An experienced interim who can start at short notice and add value quickly in an unfamiliar business.
A track record of delivering finance systems and process improvement projects through to completion, ideally in e-commerce or D2C.
Hands-on in a small finance team and comfortable working at pace.
Experience with finance and accounting systems (Sage or similar), and automating processes.
Strong commercial and analytical thinking, a clear communicator with non-finance colleagues.
Working knowledge of global tax regulations (EU, US, AU) an advantage. Engagement terms:
Fixed-term interim, approximately 3 days per week, immediate start.
Expected duration to be confirmed, bridging until a permanent Head of Finance is appointed.
Day rate, to be agreed.
Hybrid, with presence at the Burnley site as the projects require.
If you're an interim finance specialist who likes getting structural projects landed quickly and cleanly, please get in touch!
TPBN1_UKTJ
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like AFR Consulting.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like AFR Consulting might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at AFR Consulting will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at AFR Consulting. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give AFR Consulting confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at AFR Consulting
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with AFR Consulting.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure AFR Consulting that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
