At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team and influence key business decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a globally recognised consumer-facing business with exciting projects.
- Benefits: Impactful leadership role with exposure to senior executives and strategic decisions.
- Other info: 6-month contract with potential for lasting legacy in a creative industry.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance leader with strong team management and commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
Your new company
This is a rare opportunity to join a highly recognisable, fast-paced consumer-facing business with a global footprint. Operating at the heart of a dynamic and creative sector, the organisation delivers high-profile projects and experiences that engage millions of customers worldwide. As the business continues to evolve, they are seeking an experienced finance leader to join on an initial 6-month contract, taking ownership of a talented finance team while partnering closely with senior commercial stakeholders. This is a business where finance has a genuine seat at the table, offering the chance to influence decisions, improve processes, and make a visible impact from day one.
Your new role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead a team of qualified and part-qualified finance professionals whilst acting as a trusted business partner across a range of commercial and operational functions. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the month-end close and financial reporting process
- Managing forecasting, budgeting and commercial performance analysis
- Partnering with senior stakeholders to support strategic decision-making
- Driving financial controls, reconciliations and process improvements
- Supporting business planning, modelling and commercial evaluations
- Leading and developing a high-performing finance team
- Working across multiple projects, ensuring accurate reporting and insightful analysis
- Supporting tax, compliance and governance requirements
This role would particularly suit someone from a media, entertainment, events, advertising or wider creative industry background looking for an opportunity to broaden their leadership responsibilities and gain exposure to a high-profile, commercially focused organisation.
What you'll need to succeed
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
- Experience operating at Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager level
- Strong team leadership and people management experience
- Proven ability to business partner with senior non-finance stakeholders
- A commercial mindset with the ability to influence decision-making
- Excellent month-end, reporting and financial control experience
- Strong forecasting, budgeting and analytical skills
- Advanced Excel and finance systems knowledge
- A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment
What you'll get in return
- Opportunity to join a recognised and highly respected brand
- Visible and impactful leadership role
- Exposure to senior executives and key strategic decisions
- Chance to lead and develop an established finance team
- Fast-paced, commercially focused environment
- 6-month contract with the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy
If you're a qualified finance leader from a media, creative, entertainment or consumer-focused background looking for your next impactful interim assignment, we'd love to hear from you.
Interim Head of Finance in London employer: Hays Senior Finance
Join a leading and rapidly growing service and wholesale group based on the outskirts of Cheltenham, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance with hybrid working options. As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will not only oversee a small team but also have ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning. With competitive salary packages and a focus on employee well-being, this company stands out as an excellent employer for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
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 Hays Senior Finance.
✨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 Hays Senior Finance 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 Hays Senior Finance 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 Hays Senior Finance. 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 Hays Senior Finance confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨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 Hays Senior Finance.
✨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 Hays Senior Finance 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.
