Interim Finance Consultant
Interim Finance Consultant (Schools / MAT) — London | 3–6 month contract
A London-based school trust is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Consultant to provide hands-on support across finance operations, reporting and forecasting during a period of change. This is a 3–6 month assignment with the potential to extend, offering a mix of strategic input and “roll sleeves up” delivery.
The role:
You’ll work closely with the team to stabilise and strengthen core finance processes, ensure accurate and timely reporting, and support budget planning across multiple schools.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading/supporting monthly management accounts and variance analysis
- Budget setting and reforecasting across schools and central services
- Cashflow forecasting and improved financial controls
- Supporting year-end activity and liaising with auditors where required
- Reviewing processes (purchase-to-pay, approvals, payroll journals) and implementing improvements
- Producing clear, stakeholder-friendly reporting for senior leadership and trustees
- Coaching/mentoring internal finance staff as needed
About you:
You’ll be confident operating in a fast-paced education environment, able to quickly assess what’s needed and deliver practical solutions.
You’ll ideally have:
- Recent interim experience within a school trust / MAT / education finance setting
- Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting capability
- A robust understanding of financial compliance and internal controls
- Ability to engage and influence non-finance stakeholders
- Advanced Excel skills (and comfort with common school finance systems)
Qualifications: ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent) preferred, but relevant experience is most important.
Contract details
- Length: 3–6 months (possible extension)
- Location: London
- Start: ASAP / short notice preferred
- Day rate: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Apply
If you’re an interim finance professional who can add value quickly in a school trust environment, please get in touch with your CV (and availability).
If you want, tell me the trust type (MAT or LA maintained), working pattern (on-site days), and whether you need someone more strategic (FD-level) or more hands-on (Finance Manager/Business Manager level), and I’ll tailor this advert to match.