Interim Head of Financial Accounts in Leeds

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

• Salary: The starting salary will be from £47,389 up to £56,535 per annum (pro rata) in Grade 8, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Contractual hours: 35
• Basis: Full Time

Please refer to the attached Candidate Information.

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Head of Financial Accounts to join our Finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to make an immediate impact, providing leadership across financial accounting, statutory reporting, treasury management, taxation and financial compliance. Due to the urgent nature of this appointment, we are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible and quickly establish themselves as a key member of the Finance leadership team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Strategic Planning, you will lead the University’s statutory financial reporting and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining a strong financial control environment while providing expert financial advice to senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the year-end close process and preparation of annual financial statements.
• Acting as the principal contact for internal and external auditors.
• Managing statutory and regulatory returns, including HMRC, ONS, OfS, Charity Commission and other sector-specific requirements.
• Overseeing balance sheet governance, reconciliations and fixed asset accounting.
• Leading treasury management activities, including cash flow forecasting, banking, investments and borrowing facilities.
• Managing taxation compliance, including VAT returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Providing leadership to the Financial Transactions function and supporting the development of finance systems, processes and controls.
• Deputising for senior finance colleagues as required.

About You

We are looking for an experienced financial accounting leader who can quickly build credibility and deliver results in a complex organisation. You will ideally have:

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting and audit management.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, financial controls and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of treasury management, taxation and balance sheet management.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Experience within higher education, public sector or not-for-profit organisations would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take on a senior leadership role where your expertise will have an immediate impact. You’ll work alongside a collaborative leadership team and help shape the University’s financial reporting and compliance agenda during a key period.

Leeds Trinity University values diversity and inclusion and particularly encourages applications from the following groups as they are currently under-represented within the University: Women, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as well as candidates with disabilities, whether hidden or otherwise. The University will consider all forms of flexible working arrangements.

Leeds Trinity University is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity Company No 6305220. Vat Reg No. 170 9882 32.