At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee finance operations and ensure compliance with public sector accounting standards.
- Company: Local government client seeking a Financial Controller for an interim role.
- Benefits: Predominantly remote work, potential for permanent position, competitive rate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public funds and drive improvements in financial processes.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of public sector finance and experience in financial management.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in strategic decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A local government client of mine are on the lookout for a Financial Controller to join their team on an interim basis (possibility to become permanent thereafter) up until April 2027. This role will oversee the end-to-end finance operations and play a key role in ensuring financial activities are well-governed, transparent, and compliant with CIPFA public sector accounting standards. You’ll play a central role in safeguarding public funds, driving improvements in processes and controls, and supporting strategic decision-making at the highest level.
Contract Length: Until end of March 2027
Rate: DOE
Earliest Start Date: 19th January 2026
Days per week: 5 (could maybe also consider part time)
Hybrid Working: Predominantly remote. X1 day per month likely in office. As and when needed for key meetings.
Main Duties:
- Developing and embedding robust financial systems and controls.
- Ensuring tight financial management, compliance with Financial Regulations and CIPFA standards, and recommending changes that impact forecast outturns.
- Managing up-to-date cashflow forecasting and supporting the annual budgeting process alongside the Finance Director.
- Preparing and reconciling financial returns for government-funded programmes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with fund requirements.
- Overseeing loans and investments, including drawdown requests and annual depreciation/amortisation journals.
- Completing quarterly intercompany reconciliations and preparing reports and financial analysis for committees and decision-makers.
- Producing accurate consolidated and loan fund balances.
- Coordinating year-end closedown and preparing the Statement of Accounts to prescribed deadlines.
- Liaising with internal and external auditors to support efficient audit processes.
Experience:
- A strong understanding of public sector finance and CIPFA standards.
- Experience overseeing finance operations, financial planning and analysis, and balance sheet controls.
- A track record of improving processes, strengthening governance, and ensuring the effective use of public funds.
- Confidence working in a complex, politically aware environment.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience in procurement and contract management is highly desirable.
CVs will be reviewed by the end client on Friday 9th January with interviews the week following.
Interim Financial Controller employer: g2 Recruitment
Contact Detail:
g2 Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Don’t just sit back and wait for the job to come to you! Reach out directly to the job poster, like Daniel from g2 Recruitment. A quick message can show your enthusiasm and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Connect with professionals in the public sector finance space on LinkedIn. Engaging with their posts or sending a friendly message can open doors and give you insider info about opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CIPFA standards and public sector finance. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points to discuss how your experience aligns with the role’s requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s not just about sending your CV; make sure to highlight your relevant experience in financial management and governance in your conversations with recruiters.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Financial Controller. Highlight your experience with public sector finance and CIPFA standards, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or strengthened governance in previous roles to really stand out.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and keep your sentences short and impactful.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at g2 Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of public sector finance and CIPFA standards. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. This will show your expertise and confidence in managing financial operations.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or governance in past positions. Highlight any successful changes you've implemented that led to better compliance or efficiency. This will illustrate your proactive approach and ability to drive improvements.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Think about how you can engage with different audiences, from finance teams to government officials, and prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully navigated complex environments in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to cashflow forecasting, budgeting processes, and financial reconciliations. Review common scenarios you might face in the role and think through your responses. Being well-prepared will help you feel more confident and capable during the interview.