Interim Head of Finance

Interim Head of Finance |Greater Manchester | Hybrid working | Interim assignment | Full or Part-time 

We are recruiting an experienced Interim Head of Finance for a well-established social housing organisation in Greater Manchester. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this is a highly visible senior leadership role with responsibility for providing strong financial leadership, maintaining financial resilience and ensuring the organisation has the insight, control and assurance needed to support effective decision-making.

This is an interim-only appointment, providing leadership and continuity while the permanent recruitment process is completed. We are looking for someone who can quickly understand the organisation, build credibility with senior stakeholders and provide confident leadership to the finance team from the outset. There is flexibility around working five days or fewer per week, depending on the experience and availability of the successful interim.

The role

You will take responsibility for a broad finance function, including:

• Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning
• Monthly management reporting and providing clear financial insight to senior leaders
• Statutory accounts, audit, regulatory returns and external reporting
• Financial controls, systems, governance and assurance
• Supporting the Executive Team, Board and Committees with clear advice, challenge and recommendations
• Leading, developing and supporting the finance team
• Driving improvements to financial processes, reporting, controls and ways of working

This is not simply a technical accounting role. You will need to combine hands-on financial leadership with a strong strategic perspective, helping the organisation understand both its immediate financial position and the longer-term implications of key decisions.

About you

• You will be a fully qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent – with significant senior finance leadership experience.
• Ideally, you will have worked within social housing or another regulated, complex environment and be comfortable operating with Executive Teams, Boards, Committees, auditors, lenders and other senior stakeholders.
• You will bring strong experience across financial planning, reporting, controls, statutory accounting and treasury, together with the confidence to challenge constructively and turn complex financial information into clear, practical advice.
• Previous experience of stepping into a senior finance function on an interim basis, quickly assessing priorities and providing stability and leadership would be particularly valuable.

The opportunity

• This is a visible interim assignment within a purpose-led organisation where finance plays a central role in supporting long-term sustainability, investment and organisational performance.
• The organisation operates hybrid/agile working, although regular presence at its Greater Manchester office will be important given the leadership nature of the role.
• Immediate/interim availability is preferred.

For further information, or for a confidential discussion, please contact Claire Bayman at Bayman Atkinson Smythe.