Interim Financial Controller
- Bristol
- Temporary
- Full-time
Location: 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
- 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
- Understanding of university finance
- ERP system knowledge