At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate reporting and driving process improvements.
- Company: Exciting SME client in North London with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and impactful role.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment from day one.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in SME finance leadership.
- Other info: Immediate start required; thrive in a changing environment.
Interim Head of Finance - £650-£700 Per Day - 3 Month Contract - North London (Hybrid)
ACCA/CIMA/ACA
Consult is partnering with an exciting SME client in London who are seeking a hands-on, fully qualified Interim Head of Finance to join their finance function at short notice. This is a broad, high-impact role suited to an experienced finance leader who is immediately available (or on a short notice period) and comfortable stepping into a fast-paced, owner-managed environment to stabilise, lead, and deliver from day one.
You will take full ownership of the finance function, ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting, and commercial support to senior leadership, while also driving improvements across processes and performance.
Key Responsibilities- Take full ownership of the end-to-end finance function, ensuring accurate and timely delivery across all accounting activities.
- Lead the month-end close and reporting cycle, delivering P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow with clear insight and commentary.
- Oversee payroll and pension processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Manage the revenue cycle, including invoicing, billing, and internal recharges.
- Prepare and present board-level reporting, providing meaningful financial and commercial analysis.
- Take ownership of cash flow management, banking, and liquidity oversight.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including VAT, tax filings, and year-end accounts.
- Act as the primary contact for auditors and external advisors, managing audit processes effectively.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, working closely with senior stakeholders.
- Identify and implement process improvements, controls, and efficiencies across finance.
- Provide hands-on commercial support and insight to drive business performance and decision-making.
- Immediately available (or available at short notice) and able to start quickly.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA / ACA / CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience operating as an Interim Head of Finance / Finance Lead within an SME environment.
- Strong track record of being hands-on, with the ability to operate across both strategic and transactional finance.
- Solid technical grounding in UK GAAP, statutory reporting, and audit management.
- Experience managing month-end, year-end, and compliance processes under tight deadlines.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong familiarity with accounting systems.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence operating at Board level.
- Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Interim Head of Finance in London employer: In2 Consult
Contact Detail:
In2 Consult Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world and let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your skills in interviews. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed finance functions in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. We want to see that hands-on experience shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay flexible and open-minded. Interim roles can be unpredictable, so being adaptable will make you stand out. Show that you're ready to jump in and tackle challenges head-on from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Let’s get you that interim role you’re after!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance leadership, especially in SME environments, and showcase your qualifications like ACCA or CIMA. We want to see how you can bring value from day one!
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. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to manage financial processes effectively. Let us know how you can stabilise and lead our finance function.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially in UK GAAP and statutory reporting. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see your advanced Excel skills and familiarity with accounting systems right off the bat!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at In2 Consult
✨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 P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led finance teams in fast-paced environments. Discuss specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in stabilising finance functions or driving process improvements.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around UK GAAP, statutory reporting, and compliance processes. Make sure you can explain your experience with these areas clearly and confidently. It’s also a good idea to have a few examples of how you’ve navigated complex audit situations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with senior leadership, practice articulating your thoughts on commercial insights and financial analysis. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.