At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting while ensuring smooth transitions during a key period.
- Company: Waverley Housing, committed to strong financial leadership and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and potential for longer-term opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for part-time or full-time hours in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact and shape the future of finance at Waverley Housing.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 62493 - 62493 £ per year.
Waverley Housing is seeking an experienced and professionally qualified finance professional to join the organisation as Interim Senior Accountant & Finance Lead for an initial six-month period. This is an important interim appointment that will provide senior financial expertise, assurance and continuity during a period of transition, while also providing an opportunity to contribute to the future shape of Waverley's finance function.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Chief Executive and Depute Chief Executive, you will provide experienced and assured leadership across the finance function, ensuring Waverley continues to maintain strong financial management throughout the assignment. An early priority will be to work alongside the outgoing Assistant Director of Finance & IT to ensure an effective handover and continuity of key financial activities. You will then take a lead role across the finance function, providing senior leaders and the Board with confidence in the organisation’s financial position and ensuring key priorities are delivered over the coming months. This will include financial and management reporting, budget monitoring and setting, regulatory requirements and returns, alongside supporting the organisation through its forthcoming rent-setting and business planning activity. You will provide clear and practical financial advice to senior colleagues, identifying emerging issues and risks and ensuring Waverley has the information and assurance required to make well-informed decisions. Importantly, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to Waverley's review of its leadership and finance arrangements, providing an experienced and objective perspective on the future capacity, structure and leadership requirements of the function.
About You
You will be a professionally qualified accountant with the technical expertise and experience to quickly establish credibility and provide a safe pair of hands during an important period for the organisation. You are likely to have operated at Senior Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Head of Finance or equivalent level and will be comfortable combining strategic financial oversight with a willingness to remain close to the operational detail. You will bring experience across areas such as:
- Management accounts and financial reporting
- Budget preparation, monitoring and forecasting
- Annual accounts and audit
- Financial controls and assurance
- Business planning and financial modelling
- Regulatory and statutory financial requirements
- Supporting and developing finance teams
- Preparing and presenting financial information to senior leaders, Boards or committees
Previous experience within housing would be advantageous, but is not essential. Waverley is equally interested in candidates from other sectors who can demonstrate strong technical finance capability and experience operating within an appropriately governed environment. Above all, you will be able to come into the organisation quickly, establish effective relationships and provide calm, credible and pragmatic financial leadership.
The Assignment
This is initially a six-month fixed-term appointment, with considerable flexibility around the working arrangement. Hours can be agreed between 21 and 35 hours per week, making the opportunity suitable for candidates seeking either a full-time or part-time interim assignment. Waverley also offers a flexible approach to hybrid working. Some visible presence within the organisation will be important, but the precise working pattern can be discussed with the successful candidate. The salary is £62,493 FTE, pro rata for agreed part-time hours. The successful candidate should ideally be available to commence the assignment in early September 2026, or as close to this date as reasonably practicable. While this is initially an interim appointment, Waverley is reviewing the future structure of its finance function. Depending on the outcome of that review, there may be an opportunity for the successful interim candidate to be considered for a longer-term position, although no permanent appointment can be guaranteed. This is an excellent opportunity to make an immediate impact within Waverley Housing – providing stability and assurance today while helping the organisation consider what its finance function should look like for the future.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Paul Rooney 07460 714 893 or Nigel Fortnum 07786 737 303 at Aspen People.
Closing date
Midnight on Monday 7th September, 2026. Please note that the job opportunity may be closed at an earlier date in the event of receiving a high volume of applications.
Interim Senior Accountant and Finance Lead in Hawick employer: Aspen People
Waverley Housing is an exceptional employer that values flexibility and professional growth, offering a competitive salary of £62,493 FTE for the Interim Senior Accountant & Finance Lead role. With a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, employees can thrive in a hybrid working environment while contributing to meaningful financial leadership during a pivotal transition period. This role not only provides immediate impact but also opens doors for future opportunities within the organisation's evolving finance function.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Accountant and Finance Lead in Hawick
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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Accountant and Finance Lead in Hawick
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!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Aspen People. 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 Aspen People confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
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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 Aspen People 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.
