🌟 Interim Head of Finance (6 week Contract) 🌟
Salary: £52,000 – £60,000 (DOE)
Hours: Typically 9-5 (Mon-Friday) but flexible for the right person
Contract: Initial 6 week contract, potential to extend and become permanent
Location: Penrith 1-2 days per week, with Hybrid, flexible working
Start: end of August
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Manages: Small central finance team
About the Role
A highly regarded educational organisation is seeking an interim Head of Finance to provide strategic leadership and hands-on operational support during a critical period of change and growth.
This is a broad and high-impact role, ideal for a senior finance professional with experience in the education, public or charity sectors.
Key Responsibilities
🧭 Strategic Leadership
- Advise the CEO and senior team on financial planning and sustainability
- Oversee annual and medium-term budgeting, forecasting, and performance
- Support trust-wide decision-making through data-driven insights
- Lead statutory accounts and compliance with ESFA and DfE reporting requirements
🏫 School & Trust Support
- Collaborate with school leaders to support and challenge financial performance
- Support onboarding of new schools and manage due diligence processes
- Develop and deliver training to school-based finance staff
👥 Team Management
- Lead and support a small, dedicated finance team
- Ensure robust systems, controls, and processes are in place
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accuracy, and continuous improvement
💼 Core Operations
- Oversee month-end reporting, management accounts, and audits
- Monitor financial risks and ensure compliance with internal policies
- Oversee procurement, payroll (via outsourced provider), and pensions
What We’re Looking For
- Senior-level finance leadership experience
- Strong understanding of budget management, statutory reporting, and audits
- Hands-on, resilient, and able to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
This Role Offers:
- The opportunity to make a real impact in a values-led, not-for-profit environment
- A strategic leadership role with variety and challenge
- Flexible start date and potential to extend beyond the initial contract
📩 To express interest in this confidential opportunity, please get in touch.