Interim Head of Financial Reporting

Interim Head of Financial Reporting

Financial Services Group

Inside IR35- Day Rate

North West England

Interim Contract - up to 6 months

We are supporting a large, complex UK financial services group in appointing an experienced Interim Head of Financial Reporting. This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for external financial reporting, statutory accounts, and audit oversight across a multi-entity group.

This is a hands on leadership position requiring deep technical accounting expertise and strong stakeholder management at Board and Audit Committee level.

The Role Audit & Financial Statements

• Lead the end-to-end annual external reporting process, ensuring full statutory compliance
• Oversee production of consolidated group financial statements and standalone statutory accounts across multiple legal entities
• Manage and coordinate group-wide audit activity, acting as the key contact for external auditors
• Own audit planning, timetables and delivery for both consolidated and entity-level accounts
• Review and challenge technical accounting papers and audit support documentation
• Coordinate responses to audit findings and drive remediation actions to strengthen the control environment

Internal & Board Reporting

• Ensure preparation of relevant reporting for the Board, Audit Committee, auditors and investors
• Provide technical insight and clarity on complex accounting matters

Stakeholder Management

• Develop strong relationships with Board members, Audit Committee Chairs, investors and senior leadership
• Partner closely with wider Finance and local entity teams to ensure alignment and reporting accuracy
• Operate confidently at senior level in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment

Candidate Profile

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA), ideally Big 4 trained
• Director / Head of level experience within a complex group structure
• Extensive experience managing large and complex audits
• Deep technical expertise in IFRS and FRS 102, including group consolidations
• Proven experience in multi-entity environments producing consolidated reports
• Strong team leadership capability with experience driving delivery to tight timetables
• Comfortable presenting at Board and Audit Committee level
• UK Financial Services experience highly desirable; other highly regulated industries will also be considered
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable operating in a changing environment

Why This Role?

This is a critical interim appointment within a sizeable, evolving financial services group. You will play a key role in stabilising, strengthening and delivering statutory reporting and audit processes at a pivotal time. If you are a technically strong, senior reporting leader with insurance or financial services experience and are available at short notice, we would welcome a confidential discussion.