Finance Consultant in Slough

Vertex Associates are proud to be partnering with one of the UK\’s leading creative Schools in hiring a Finance Consultant for a 4 month contract. This will be on a hybrid basis with 3 days in their East London office.

We are seeking a fully qualified individual with strong technical accounting skills to support the transformation and optimisation of the finance function. The ideal candidate will be able to hit the ground running, quickly get up to speed with the systems, and bring advanced Excel skills.

Experience in Higher Education and SME environments is essential, and a background in audit with insight into robust internal control frameworks, is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the rollout and implementation of the organisation’s financial regulations.
• Investigate system limitations within Xero and deliver an improved management reporting solution.
• Strengthen balance sheet reconciliations, month-end close activities, and internal reporting processes.
• Provide hands-on support, coaching, and ad-hoc training to junior finance staff.
• Support the ongoing development of the finance function to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the finance team.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and Actual vs Budget reporting.
• Assist in drafting the Annual Financial Reports (AFR).
• Lead on setting up Xero for partial exemption VAT treatment.
• Contribute to the development of a new three-statement cash flow model.
• Drive automation and process improvements, including the use of AI tools where appropriate.
• Optimise the use of Xero and integrated add-ons such as ApprovalMax, Pleo, and Telleroo.

Requirements:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Strong technical accounting skills with the ability to apply them in a hands-on way.
• Advanced Excel skills, including financial modelling and data analysis.
• Proven ability to quickly integrate into new environments and deliver immediate impact.
• Experience in Higher Education and SME finance operations.
• Proficient in Xero and related tools.
• Exposure to VAT partial exemption for Higher Education institutions would be beneficial.
• Audit experience is advantageous, with solid understanding of what good internal controls should look like.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Vertex Associates Limited acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Vertex Associates is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. 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: vertexassociates.co.uk/privacy-policy/