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