At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure effective financial management for a local authority.
- Company: Civic Recruitment Limited, focused on public sector finance leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: 6-month contract with a chance for permanent placement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial transformation and governance within a dynamic organisation.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant experience in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom
Posted On 11/05/2026
Job Information
- City: Northallerton
- Province: North Yorkshire
- Postal Code: DL6
Job Description
6 months contract with a local authority.
Job Purpose
To provide strategic and operational leadership of the Combined Authority’s finance function, ensuring effective financial management, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement as the organisation evolves following devolution. The role will play a key part in driving financial transformation, strengthening reporting frameworks, and supporting senior leadership in decision-making.
Key Duties/Accountabilities
- Lead the production of quarterly budget monitoring reports and treasury management updates for Leadership Team, the Combined Authority, and Audit Committee.
- Oversee and manage the year-end accounts process and external audit for 2025/26, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements.
- Lead the development and delivery of the 2026/27 budgeting process.
- Provide high-quality financial advice, planning support, and robust reporting across the Combined Authority.
- Drive the financial strategy and ensure strong financial performance management and governance.
- Support and oversee service-level agreements for finance-related services and contribute to the development of a unified internal finance function.
Essential Experience Required
- Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant post‑qualification experience.
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within the public sector or a complex organisation.
- Strong technical accounting expertise, including year‑end accounts preparation and audit management.
Essential Qualifications Required
- Professional accounting qualification (CCAB – e.g. ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA – or equivalent).
- Evidence of continued professional development.
Additional information to note
Working hours: 37 hours per week. 6 months, with opportunity to apply for a permanent role when advertised.
Interim Head of Finance employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, where you can make a meaningful impact on local governance. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to financial excellence, we provide opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to significant financial transformations within the public sector. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports our team in achieving their career aspirations while ensuring compliance and effective financial management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial regulations and compliance. We recommend having examples ready that showcase your leadership in financial transformation and reporting frameworks.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, highlight how you've driven financial strategies in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to support senior leadership in decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Head of Finance. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your skills can help drive financial transformation at the Combined Authority. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your professional accounting qualifications clearly. We’re looking for someone fully qualified (CCAB or equivalent), so make sure this stands out in your application. It’s a key requirement for us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and reporting in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also drive financial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples of how you've led finance teams or projects. Think about times when you’ve driven change or improved processes. Be ready to explain your approach to managing people and fostering collaboration within a finance function.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Since this position is within a local authority, it’s crucial to understand the unique challenges and regulations of the public sector. Familiarise yourself with recent changes in financial governance and how they impact budgeting and reporting. This will help you speak confidently about your fit for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their financial strategies and challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your career goals. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking.
