Interim Management Accountant

We are working with a university to find an experienced Interim Management Accountant to provide immediate support within the Management Accounts team. This role has arisen to backfill resource gaps and ensure business-as-usual financial activities continue uninterrupted while the team focuses on a number of urgent priorities.

You will join a team of 10 management accountants and play a key role in supporting forecasting, budgeting and financial management across a range of professional service directorates.

The Role
This is a hands-on management accounting and business partnering position requiring someone who can quickly integrate into the team, build relationships with stakeholders and deliver high-quality financial information with minimal supervision.

A significant focus of the assignment will be supporting the University's upcoming forecasting cycle for 2026/27, working closely with budget holders to understand current expenditure trends, risks and opportunities, and producing accurate forecasts for senior management.

The role will primarily support directorates such as:

• IT Services
• Finance Services
• Legal Services
• Marketing and Communications
• Estates and associated functions

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and associated financial analysis.
• Lead forecasting activities across allocated directorates.
• Meet regularly with budget holders to review financial performance against budget.
• Gather, challenge and validate forecast assumptions.
• Produce accurate financial forecasts and variance analysis.
• Support budget monitoring and financial planning processes.
• Provide financial advice and support to devolved budget holders.
• Assist with business partnering activities across professional service functions.
• Ensure financial information is timely, accurate and fit for decision-making.
• Support ad hoc financial reporting and analysis as required.

The Successful Candidate

• Previous experience working in a management accounting role.
• Strong forecasting and budgeting experience.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with budget holders and non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong Excel skills, including analysis, modelling and reporting.
• Able to work independently and quickly become productive within a new environment.
• Part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) or qualified by experience.
• Experience in the Higher Education sector desirable but not essential.

What's On Offer?
This is initially a 3 month contract paying £225 - £250 per day (via umbrella).
ASAP start
The role requires 1 day per week on site but may require 2 - 3 days occasionally to meet with stakeholders.