Interim Finance Director in Wigan, Greater Manchester

Your new company
A well-established independent education provider based in Lancashire is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Finance to provide leadership cover during a period of long-term senior absence. The organisation has ambitious plans for growth and is entering a key financial and audit period, creating an immediate need for an experienced finance leader who can provide stability, strategic direction and robust financial oversight from day one. The assignment is initially expected to last initially 3 months, with the potential for extension.

Your new role
Reporting directly to the Principal and operating as a key member of the SLT, you will take responsibility for all aspects of finance. This is a broad leadership role that combines strategic financial management with oversight of operational functions, capital projects and regulatory compliance.

You will provide stability and direction during a period of change, ensuring robust financial controls remain in place whilst supporting the organisation through an upcoming audit. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, governance and compliance activities whilst providing strategic advice to support decision-making.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the finance function and managing the finance team.
• Providing strategic financial planning and leadership.
• Preparing the organisation for external audit and ongoing regulatory requirements.
• Producing budgets, forecasts and financial reporting for senior leadership.
• Ensuring strong financial governance, controls and statutory compliance.
• Overseeing operational functions including facilities, health & safety and key supplier contracts.
• Leading and supporting capital projects and infrastructure initiatives.
• Supporting long-term planning and identifying opportunities for efficiency and value creation.

What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with previous experience operating at Finance Director, Head of Finance or a similar senior finance leadership level. The client is seeking an individual who can hit the ground running, provide immediate credibility with stakeholders and confidently lead both financial and operational activities.

Previous experience within education, the public sector or a similar regulated environment would be advantageous. However, applicants from other sectors will also be considered where they can demonstrate strong leadership skills, extensive financial management experience and a track record of operating within complex organisations. Experience leading audit processes, managing finance teams, strengthening controls and supporting senior stakeholders through periods of change will be particularly valuable. The organisation is prioritising capability and leadership experience alongside sector background.

What you'll get in return

• Immediate start opportunity with an urgent hiring process.
• Initial 3 month assignment with the potential to extend.
• Possibility of a longer-term opportunity depending on organisational requirements.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements based around candidate needs.
• Competitive day rate.
• Opportunity to operate at senior leadership level.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, please click "apply" and we will revert to the most relevant applications as soon as possible.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you're an accountant looking for a new job in finance, please contact Benjamin Stanton at the Hays Senior Finance team in Preston.

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