Head of Finance (Interim)

I'm currently seeking a qualified, hands-on finance professional to stabilise and lead the finance function within a growing professional services business. While the official title is Head of finance, this role is effectively a Financial Controller with strong FP&A capability.

The immediate focus is operational stabilisation and control implementation. Longer term, the role will evolve into adding forecasting, modelling, and commercial insight across the group.

This role will initially be engaged on a contract basis with strong potential to convert to permanent.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day finance function
• Implement structured financial processes and governance
• Introduce accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet integrity controls

2. Systems & Process Implementation

• Onboard all six entities into Sage 200
• Standardise chart of accounts and reporting structures
• Design and implement clear month-end processes
• Introduce documented finance workflows and ownership clarity

3. Reporting & Close

• Implement and manage a 10-day month-end close cycle
• Consolidate reporting across multiple entities
• Produce structured monthly reporting packs
• Ensure financial accuracy and audit readiness
• Develop financial models in Excel
• Provide insight into revenue performance, utilisation, and cost drivers

The finance function currently includes two transactional team members. The incoming hire will provide structure, direction, and clarity, while remaining hands-on in execution.

The business operates in a practical, delivery-focused environment and requires someone comfortable working onsite full-time in Derby.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking someone who is:

• Approximately 5+ years post-qualified
• Strong in FP&A, modelling, and multi-entity reporting
• Advanced in Excel
• Experienced in professional services or people-based businesses
• Comfortable in SME environments with limited structure
• Proactive and self-directed
• Willing to be hands-on with transactional work when required

Not Suitable For:

• Purely strategic or non-operational profiles
• Retail or stock-heavy industry backgrounds
• Individuals requiring high levels of structure or large teams

What Success Looks Like

• A structured, controlled finance function
• All entities operating within Sage 200
• 10-day month-end consistently achieved
• Clear consolidated reporting
• Reduced key-person dependency
• Established forecasting capability

This role is paying £4-500 per day on a contract/temp to perm basis.

Those that are immediately available will be considered first.

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