Interim CFO/ FD- public sector

Interim CFO / Interim Finance Director (Confidential Assignment)Public Sector Hybrid £600-£800 per dayWe are supporting a high-profile public sector organisation with the exclusive appointment of an Interim CFO / Interim Finance Director to provide senior technical finance leadership during a period of significant scrutiny and change. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced interim to step into a high-impact, finite assignment, bringing calm, rigour and assurance at a critical point in the organisation's audit journey.The contextThe organisation is entering an especially important 25/26 year-end audit, with heightened external scrutiny and a strong focus on governance, assurance and quality. While the wider finance leadership team is commercially focused, there is a clear need for additional senior technical capacity to support the Financial Controller and ensure the audit process is delivered smoothly, robustly and on time. As such, this role will operate flexibly at FD or CFO level, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and acting as a senior technical counterbalance within the finance leadership team.The roleWorking closely with the Financial Controller, you will provide hands-on leadership across audit preparation, delivery and resolution. A central element of the role is joint accountability for the relationship with the National Audit Office, ensuring clear communication, timely responses and effective resolution of issues.Key responsibilities include:

• Senior leadership and technical oversight of the 25/26 Annual Report & Accounts
• Leading and managing engagement with external auditors (NAO), including audit planning, issues resolution and final sign-off
• Identifying, managing and evidencing material audit risks and key judgements
• Establishing clear audit governance and assurance routes, with structured escalation and regular reporting to senior stakeholders
• Supporting the Financial Controller in addressing audit findings, control weaknesses and accounting judgements
• Leading management responses and ensuring agreed actions are delivered
• Capturing lessons learned and driving continuous improvement in audit readiness, controls and financial processes
• This is a hands-on assignment suited to someone comfortable operating at senior level while remaining close to the detail when required.

About youThis role will suit an experienced interim who enjoys stepping into complex environments and helping teams navigate high-stakes audits with confidence.You are likely to bring:

• Proven experience as an Interim FD or CFO
• Strong technical accounting and year-end audit expertise
• Confidence operating in regulated or public sector environments
• Experience working with the National Audit Office (highly desirable, but not essential)
• A calm, collaborative leadership style with the authority to challenge constructively

You'll be comfortable balancing strategy, governance and hands-on delivery, and motivated by making a tangible difference over a defined period.Assignment details:

• Start: Early May
• Duration: Initial 6-month contract
• Location: Hybrid - 3 days remote / 2 days on-site
• Rate: £600-£800 per day (dependent on experience and level)

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or reach out to Charles Maidment from the Hays senior finance contract team. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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