Deputy Director of Finance

6-12-month contract | Flexible working | Attractive packageA Yorkshire-based Higher Education institution is seeking an experienced senior finance leader to undertake a high-impact interim assignment as number two in Finance, reporting to the Executive Director of Finance and Strategic Planning.This appointment comes at a pivotal point for the organisation, offering the opportunity to provide immediate leadership capacity during a period of financial recovery, regulatory focus, and organisational change.
The Role
This is a hands-on, senior leadership position operating across both strategic and operational levels.The successful candidate will:

• Provide day-to-day leadership of Finance and Planning, ensuring clarity of priorities and delivery


• Create operational headroom for the Executive Director to focus on strategic finance, lender engagement and board assurance.


• Strengthen financial grip, reporting, and performance insight


• Support delivery of year-end, audit, and budget cycles


• Play a key role in embedding integrated planning and data-driven decision-making

Key Focus Areas

• Leadership & Delivery: Visible, credible leadership of finance and planning teams through a complex and evolving environment


• Financial Planning: Oversight of budgeting, forecasting and development of the medium-term financial plan


• Cash & Covenant: Strengthening liquidity management, cash flow forecasting and covenant reporting


• Reporting & Insight: Enhancing Executive and Board-level reporting to support decision-making


• Business Partnering: Supporting senior academic and professional leaders with clear financial insight


• Audit & Compliance: Supporting year-end, external audit and regulatory returns


• Continuous Improvement: Driving improvements in systems, processes and reporting outputs

Candidate ProfileWe are seeking a qualified accountant with:

• Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally within higher education or a complex regulated environment


• A track record of delivering in financially challenged or recovery settings


• Strong expertise across planning, forecasting, cash flow, audit and reporting


• The ability to bring pace, grip and clarity in a demanding environment


• A collaborative, pragmatic and hands-on approach


• Credibility to operate with Executive colleagues and senior stakeholders

Why This Role?

• A rare opportunity to step into a number two finance role with real influence


• The chance to make a tangible difference in a critical period


• Exposure to Executive and Board-level activity


• A flexible, hybrid working model


• A highly competitive interim package, reflective of the scope and impact

Key Details

• Duration: 6-12 months


• Start: Immediate / ASAP


• Location: West Yorkshire / 2/3 days in the office


• Reporting to: Executive Director of Finance and Strategic Planning

For a confidential discussion, please don't hesitate to get in touch Catherine Hill

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