Interim Deputy Financial Controller

Deputy Financial Controller

Location: London (Hybrid working)
Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 per annum Contract: 14-Month Fixed-Term Contract Benefits: Excellent annual leave, flexibility and DB pension package

A large, pioneering London university is seeking an experienced and technically strong finance leader to join its Finance Directorate as Deputy Financial Controller on a 14-month fixed-term basis. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a complex education environment, offering the chance to shape financial governance, strengthen reporting standards, and drive continuous improvement for a key part of the team. You will be responsible for audit, year end and financial reporting, and leading a team of 5.

• Lead the timely production of statutory financial statements and manage the external audit process, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Partner with internal audit, coordinate management responses, and embed recommendations while maintaining a strong financial controls framework.
• Oversee cashflow forecasting, treasury management, and taxation compliance, including related strategic initiatives.
• Review and update finance policies to ensure regulatory compliance and best practice.
• Champion optimisation and effective use of the Oracle cloud-based ERP system, working with senior stakeholders to enhance capability and streamline processes.
• Benchmark performance against peer institutions and drive innovation to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Deputise for the Financial Controller, represent Finance on committees and projects, and support CFO-led initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing team while building strong relationships with senior academic and professional stakeholders.

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience in financial reporting and audit within a large, complex organisation.

• Strong technical expertise in statutory reporting and compliance
• Experience managing external audit relationships
• A proven track record of strengthening financial controls
• Experience working with large ERP systems (Oracle preferred)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative leadership style focused on quality and service excellence