At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, improve processes, and provide strategic support during a transition.
- Company: Dynamic business with a £50m turnover seeking stability and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working patterns, and potential for longer-term opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by stabilising and enhancing the finance function.
- Qualifications: Experienced Finance Controller with strong technical accounting and leadership skills.
Are you an experienced Finance Controller who enjoys stepping into a business, bringing stability, and quickly getting a grip on a finance function? If you're at your best when you're rolling your sleeves up, improving processes, and providing leadership through periods of change, this could be a great fit.
We're supporting a c£50m turnover business that is performing well commercially but is looking for an experienced interim Finance Controller to provide leadership, strengthen controls, and drive improvements across the finance function. This is a key appointment during an important transition period, with the opportunity to make a genuine impact and potentially support the business on a longer-term basis.
The Role
- Finance Leadership: Taking ownership of day-to-day finance operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strong financial control across the business.
- Month-End & Reporting: Leading month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, cashflow reporting, management information, and ensuring stakeholders have reliable insight.
- Process Improvement: Reviewing existing processes and introducing improvements across reporting, controls, systems, and ways of working.
- Team & Stakeholder Support: Providing direction and support to the wider finance team, whilst acting as a trusted partner to senior leadership.
- Systems & Payroll: Ensuring finance systems and outsourced payroll processes are operating effectively, accurately, and with appropriate controls in place.
What we're looking for
- An experienced Finance Controller / Senior Finance Manager who has successfully led a finance function.
- Someone comfortable stepping into an environment that needs structure, challenge, and improvement.
- A hands-on operator who can balance strategic thinking with getting involved in the detail when required.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge with excellent month-end, reporting, and control experience.
- A confident communicator who can quickly build credibility with stakeholders across the business.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to step into a business where your experience will genuinely add value. You’ll be trusted to stabilise, improve, and strengthen the finance function, with the autonomy to make meaningful changes rather than simply keep things ticking over. The initial assignment is expected to be around 3-6 months, with flexibility around working patterns, and there is potential for longer‑term opportunities for the right person.
Location: Leeds- predominantly on-site (flexibility considered)
Rate: £400-£450 per day
Duration: Initially 3-6 months with the opportunity to go temp to perm
Working pattern: Full-time preferred, but part-time considered
Interim Financial Controller in Wetherby employer: Headstar
Headstar is an excellent employer that values accuracy and flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking a part-time role in finance. With generous annual leave and the opportunity to work flexible hours, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a stable organization. The supportive work culture fosters professional growth, ensuring that your skills are recognised and developed in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller in Wetherby
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Headstar. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller in Wetherby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Headstar.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Headstar's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headstar
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Headstar.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Headstar will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Headstar employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
