Interim Financial Controller

Interim Financial Controller3-4-Month Contract Bristol (Hybrid) Inside IR35 (March - July) Charlie Maidment from the Hays Bristol senior finance team is recruiting for an Interim Financial Controller for a short-term, high-impact assignment based in Bristol.This role is designed to provide hands-on leadership and stability to the finance function while a permanent hire is secured. The assignment runs from March to July, with one day per week on site and the remainder remote.Day rate: £450-£600 (Inside IR35) Interviews: One-stage interview via Microsoft Teams, available immediatelyThe RoleReporting to the UK & Ireland Finance Director, you will take ownership of financial controllership across the UK and Ireland, operating within a fast-paced, multi-site environment.You will play a critical role in safeguarding balance sheet integrity, improving working capital performance and ensuring statutory and technical compliance. The position works closely with an offshore Shared Services Centre and central finance teams, requiring strong leadership and the ability to drive outcomes through influence rather than hierarchy.Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of the UK & Ireland balance sheet, including month-end review, reconciliations and continuous improvement
• Lead working capital performance, cash forecasting and reporting to senior leadership
• Act as the primary finance contact and escalation point for Shared Services, audits and technical accounting queries
• Drive balance sheet clean-up and control improvement initiatives
• Review statutory accounts and year-end deliverables with external advisors, including Directors' reports
• Support internal and external audit activity and ensure compliance with financial policies and controls
• Partner with operational teams on fixed asset and lease accounting
• Support M&A integration and technical accounting activity where required
• Manage contractors and project resources to deliver agreed change initiatives

About You

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager within a complex, multi-entity organisation
• Strong technical accounting expertise (UK GAAP and IFRS)
• Experience working with Shared Services and in a matrixed, international environment
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and improving immature or evolving processes
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Hands-on, resilient and solutions-focused, with strong stakeholder management skills

This is an excellent interim opportunity for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, simplifying complexity and making a tangible impact in a short period of time.

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