Interim Associate Director of Finance – Financial Control

MLC Partners are supporting an NHS Trust to appoint an Interim Associate Director of Finance – Financial Control for a 6-month assignment, providing senior leadership and cover within a high-performing finance function. This is a pivotal role, leading the Trust’s financial control and accounting activities, ensuring strong governance, high-quality financial reporting, and continuous improvement across systems and processes. You’ll work closely with the Deputy Chief Finance Officer and wider executive stakeholders, offering strategic and technical finance leadership.

Key responsibilities Lead the Trust’s financial control and accounting function, ensuring robust financial governance and compliance. Oversee development and maintenance of effective procedures and controls across core finance operations. Manage and develop a senior finance team, ensuring a resilient, high-performing service. Provide strategic and technical finance advice to senior leaders and support corporate decision-making. Deputise for the Deputy CFO / provide cover as required.

Drive process improvement across financial systems, reporting, and ways of working. Essential requirements Fully qualified accountant (recognised professional accountancy qualification – e.g., CCAB or equivalent). Degree (or equivalent experience). Significant senior-level NHS finance experience with strong understanding of financial control. Proven leadership and people management experience. Strong stakeholder management—able to build credibility with senior clinical and corporate leaders. Advanced spreadsheet/Excel capability.

Desirable Understanding of Foundation Trust financial regime and wider NHS finance issues. Knowledge of VAT. Experience in acute and/or large complex organisations. Working arrangements Full-time, 3 Days onsite - 2 days hybrid Travel may be required between Trust sites in the local area (exact locations withheld at this stage).