Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day financial operations and ensure timely reporting during a transitional period.
- Company: Join a South West-based university undergoing financial transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive day rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical change in higher education finance while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with experience in financial controller roles, preferably in higher education.
- Other info: Immediate start available; rates negotiable for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you a Senior Finance leader in the higher education sector? If so, we have a fantastic interim opportunity available to start over the coming weeks in the South-west, you must be prepared to be in the office 2-3 days a week.Interim Financial Controller / FD-Level SupportLocation: South West England (Hybrid – 2 to 3 days on site per week)Contract Type: Interim (3 to 6 months)Day Rate: £350pd+ (negotiable based on candidate experience) Start Date: Urgent – within the next 2-3 weeksA South West-based university is seeking an experienced and hands-on interim finance professional to provide senior-level cover during a period of organisational and financial transformation. With the Finance Director heavily involved in strategy, this role will take ownership of core financial reporting, controls, and planning. Acting as the operational lead across the finance function, the successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring stability, timely reporting, and high-quality analysis – while working closely with the senior leadership team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong qualified accountant with Higher Education or wider public sector experience, who can operate at pace and provide confidence during a key transitional period.
Role Overview:
Reporting to the existing CFO & FD (focused on strategic workstreams), this role will lead day-to-day financial operations and ensure timely delivery of key outputs. Snapshot Responsibilities include:
- Production of accurate and timely monthly management accounts with high-level commentary
- Financial analysis of income and expenditure, including tuition fee income
- Review and completion of balance sheet reconciliations and key month-end controls
- Support in preparing financial statements and annual report
- Treasury oversight, including input into sustainable investment strategies
- Short- and medium-term cashflow forecasting
- Maintenance of financial controls across reporting, audit preparation, and forecasting
- Collaboration with Finance Director to support statutory audit completion (pending deadline)
- Support provision reviews including student withdrawal and bad debt provisions
Candidate Requirements:
Essential:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in Financial Controller / FD-level roles
- Strong technical accounting and financial reporting skills
- Experience working within Higher Education or the wider public sector
- Able to lead or oversee finance teams through busy reporting cycles
- Process-minded with an eye for continuous improvement
- Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and operating in change environments
Desirable:
- Understanding of university finance
- ERP system knowledge
If you are immediately available and have higher education background and would like to find out more, please reach out – rates and information above are negotiable for the right candidate.
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: gb/en/privacy-notice.
Interim Financial Controller employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet finance leaders and express your interest in interim roles. This can help you get insider information about opportunities and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by universities, such as tuition fee income and funding models. Being knowledgeable about these issues will allow you to speak confidently during interviews and demonstrate your understanding of the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and controls in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed financial operations in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and leadership skills. Highlight instances where you've led teams through transitions or changes, as this role requires someone who can maintain stability during a period of organisational transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial control and any relevant roles within the higher education sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical accounting skills and ability to lead finance teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Interim Financial Controller role. Emphasise your experience with financial reporting, analysis, and collaboration with senior stakeholders, showcasing how you can add value during the transitional period.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and any additional training that supports your candidacy. Mention your understanding of university finance and ERP systems if applicable.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a financial role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a qualified accountant, it's crucial to highlight your technical accounting and financial reporting skills during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial operations in previous roles, particularly in the higher education sector.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading finance teams through busy reporting cycles, share your experiences in managing teams and driving performance. Discuss how you’ve motivated your team and ensured timely delivery of key outputs in past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle change and transformation within an organisation. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated financial challenges or implemented process improvements, especially in a higher education context.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
This role requires collaboration with senior leadership. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and worked with senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence decision-making processes.
