Interim Head of Financial Accounts

6 Months Fixed Term- Immediate start available We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Head of Financial Accounts to join our Finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to make an immediate impact, providing leadership across financial accounting, statutory reporting, treasury management, taxation and financial compliance. Due to the urgent nature of this appointment, we are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible and quickly establish themselves as a key member of the Finance leadership team. About the Role Reporting to the Director of Finance and Strategic Planning, you will lead the University's statutory financial reporting and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining a strong financial control environment while providing expert financial advice to senior stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the year-end close process and preparation of annual financial statements.
• Acting as the principal contact for internal and external auditors.
• Managing statutory and regulatory returns, including HMRC, ONS, OfS, Charity Commission and other sector-specific requirements.
• Overseeing balance sheet governance, reconciliations and fixed asset accounting.
• Leading treasury management activities, including cash flow forecasting, banking, investments and borrowing facilities.
• Managing taxation compliance, including VAT returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Providing leadership to the Financial Transactions function and supporting the development of finance systems, processes and controls.
• Deputising for senior finance colleagues as required. About You We are looking for an experienced financial accounting leader who can quickly build credibility and deliver results in a complex organisation. You will ideally have:
• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting and audit management.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, financial controls and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of treasury management, taxation and balance sheet management.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Experience within higher education, public sector or not-for-profit organisations would be advantageous but is not essential. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to take on a senior leadership role where your expertise will have an immediate impact. You'll work alongside a collaborative leadership team and help shape the University's financial reporting and compliance agenda during a key period. Apply Now We are keen to appoint quickly and will review applications as they are received. Early applications are therefore encouraged. Interviews may be held on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. If you have any queries about the application process, please email jobs@leedstrinity.ac.uk or call 0113 283 7130. Leeds Trinity University values diversity and inclusion and particularly encourages applications from the following groups as they are currently under-represented within the University: Women, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as well as candidates with disabilities, whether hidden or otherwise. The University will consider all forms of flexible working arrangements. Please note that we do not accept speculative CVs or unsolicited calls from recruitment agencies.