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- Tasks: Join as an Interim Senior Accountant, overseeing month-end close and enhancing financial reporting.
- Company: Be part of a leading biotech firm backed by major private equity, driving global expansion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive day rate, hybrid working model, and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to impact a fast-growing company while developing your skills in finance.
- Qualifications: You need an accounting qualification and strong Excel skills, with experience in high-growth environments.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative, innovative culture with a focus on ownership and rapid growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Cedar is currently partnered with a market-leading, private equity-backed biotech business to secure an Interim Senior Accountant. The role is a 6-month contract, paying a competitive day rate (to be discussed based on experience).
This innovative, international biotech company, backed by a major large-cap private equity fund, is entering a pivotal phase of global expansion, supported by a breakthrough product suite and growing commercial operations across Europe and North America. With investment in infrastructure, systems, and financial leadership, they are building a finance function capable of supporting rapid, cross-border growth.
As Interim Senior Accountant, you will:
- Work directly with the Finance Director to oversee and deliver the month-end close, ensuring timely, accurate outputs with insightful analysis and business-focused commentary.
- Drive improvements to management reporting packs, sharpening the quality of financial insight for internal and external stakeholders.
- Build a structured view of commercial inflows vs operational liquidity, drawing on multiple data sources to create a forward-looking picture of working capital dynamics.
- Support the creation and evolution of cash flow forecasts, combining historical trends with real-time operational data to support senior decision-making.
- Perform key balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries and maintain tight control over core financial records.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS reporting standards and deliver outputs to audit-ready levels.
- Leverage strong Excel capabilities to automate and enhance existing reporting models and tools.
You will ideally have:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
- Good working knowledge of IFRS and a track record of preparing high-quality reporting outputs.
- Advanced Excel capability, comfortable with formulas, lookups, and data modelling.
- Experience working in PE-backed, high-growth or multinational businesses.
- Strong communication and stakeholder skills, with a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach.
This contract role as Interim Senior Accountant offers a unique opportunity to step into a PE-backed global biotech at a crucial point of scaling. The role blends technical delivery with commercial insight and offers meaningful exposure to senior leadership in a rapidly evolving business.
The company operates a hybrid working model - typically 3 days per week in their Central London office, easily accessible by major transport links. The culture is collaborative, hands-on, and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on innovation and ownership.
Interim Senior Accountant employer: Cedar
Contact Detail:
Cedar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial reporting standards, particularly IFRS, as this role requires compliance with these standards. Brush up on your knowledge of recent changes or updates in IFRS that may impact financial reporting.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in high-growth or private equity-backed environments during networking opportunities. Connect with professionals in the biotech or finance sectors on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your advanced Excel skills by preparing examples of how you've used data modelling and automation in previous roles. Be ready to discuss these examples in detail during interviews to showcase your technical capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and communication. Think of specific instances where you successfully collaborated with senior leadership or cross-functional teams to drive financial insights and decision-making.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accounting, particularly in private equity-backed or high-growth environments. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and any specific achievements that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the biotech industry and your ability to deliver insightful financial analysis. Mention your advanced Excel skills and how they can contribute to improving management reporting packs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your knowledge of IFRS and your experience with month-end close processes. Provide examples of how you've driven improvements in financial reporting and stakeholder communication in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an accounting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As an Interim Senior Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in IFRS and advanced Excel capabilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, particularly in high-growth or PE-backed environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle financial reporting challenges. Think of scenarios where you've improved reporting processes or managed tight deadlines, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Understand the Company’s Financial Landscape
Research the biotech industry and the specific company you're interviewing with. Familiarise yourself with their product suite and recent developments, as this will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in their operations and growth strategy.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues and how you ensure clarity in your reports.
