The McLean Partnership
Interim Head of Financial Accounting (6 months FTC)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Interim Head of Financial Accounting (6 months FTC)
Interim Head of Financial Accounting
Location: Surrey / Hybrid Working Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract Start Date: June/July 2026 Responsible to: Financial Controller Line Management: Accounting team
An established and highly regarded research institution is seeking to appoint an experienced Interim Head of Financial Accounting to join its finance leadership team for a 6-month fixed-term contract.
Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, this role will lead a small financial accounting team and play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy and timely delivery of all financial accounting and reporting activities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the month-end and year-end close processes Prepare and review statutory financial statements in line with UK GAAP Support and coordinate external audit activity Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, journals and financial controls Manage cashflow and treasury reporting activities Supervise and develop a small financial accounting team Drive process improvements across the finance function Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activity Ensure compliance with relevant accounting and regulatory standards
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) with:
Relevant financial accounting and reporting experience Strong technical accounting knowledge including UK GAAP Experience leading or mentoring finance teams A hands-on, detail-oriented approach Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills The ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Experience within the research, education, public sector or regulated environments would be advantageous, but is not essential.
What’s on Offer
Immediate impact role within a well-established organisation Hybrid working environment Opportunity to lead a capable finance team through a key reporting period Collaborative and supportive senior leadership team
To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please apply today or get in touch with Caius Freeman at caiusfreeman@mcleanpartnership.com.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills