Interim Head of Finance

Interim Multi Academy Trust Head of Finance - 4-6 months

A Multi-Academy Trust is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Manager to provide critical support during a period of transition. This role will focus on strengthening financial controls, supporting audit readiness, and ensuring continuity across finance operations.Key ResponsibilitiesKnowledge Capture & Handover

• Work closely with the Head of Finance to map duties, deadlines, controls, and key contacts
• Document file locations, system processes, and review points
• Develop and maintain a live handover and process log

Core Finance Controls

• Oversee month-end close processes, including journals and reconciliations
• Manage bank authorisations and checks
• Ensure robust financial controls and maintain a clear audit trail

Audit Readiness & Coordination

• Take ownership of the audit evidence tracker
• Allocate requests and proactively chase responses
• Review completeness and coordinate audit activity to meet timelines (including mid-October deadlines)

Funding, VAT & Compliance

• Manage VAT claims, General Annual Grant (GAG) and other funding reconciliations
• Oversee payroll and pension documentation
• Ensure compliance with related-party disclosures and governance requirements

Systems & Process Transition

• Support implementation and testing of a new purchase ledger system.
• Ensure new processes are thoroughly documented and understood by the wider team

Team Coordination

• Reduce single-person dependencies by sharing knowledge across the team
• Clarify roles and responsibilities
• Produce practical process notes to support ongoing operations

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role within the education sector - ideally Multi Academy Trusts.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and compliance
• Experience with systems implementation and process improvement
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in an interim environment
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a growing MAT
• Key role influencing financial governance and operational stability
• Collaborative leadership team and purpose-driven environment