At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, reporting, and team management in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Well-established international organisation with a meaningful mission.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and potential for long-term opportunities.
- Other info: Engage with international finance teams and enhance financial processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact from day one in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial control and management experience.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a technically strong finance professional who can take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, audit management and team leadership from day one. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, ensuring the finance function continues to operate effectively while supporting both immediate priorities and longer-term objectives.
Client Details: Michael Page are partnering with a well-established international organisation in Cambridge with a genuinely meaningful mission and global reach. Operating across multiple countries, the organisation manages a complex funding and operational environment and is seeking an experienced Interim Financial Controller to provide leadership and stability during a period of transition.
Description:
- Lead the month-end and year-end close processes.
- Manage all balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
- Oversee financial accounting and ledger integrity.
- Lead preparation of statutory accounts and supporting schedules.
- Manage external audit processes and key auditor relationships.
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee VAT, tax and statutory reporting obligations.
- Monitor cash flow, treasury activities and working capital requirements.
- Review and enhance financial policies, controls and procedures.
- Support finance systems improvements and process optimisation.
- Work closely with international finance teams and key stakeholders.
- Line manage and develop a small finance team.
Profile:
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualified accountant.
- Significant Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Senior Financial Accounting experience.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP and FRS102.
- Proven experience preparing statutory accounts.
- Experience managing year-end audits.
- Strong financial controls and balance sheet management expertise.
- Previous management experience.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Ability to operate in a hands-on and detail-oriented role.
- Not for profit and charities experience is desirable.
Job Offer:
- Competitive day rate.
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Immediate start available.
- Friendly and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact from day one.
- Potential longer-term or permanent opportunity for the right individual.
- Exposure to a complex and interesting international finance environment.
Interim Financial Controller in Cambridge employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller in Cambridge
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Michael Page 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 Financial Controller in Cambridge
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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Michael Page 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.
