Interim Project Accountant / Project Finance Manager
Location: Reading (Hybrid)
Duration: 3-6 months
Day Rate: Up to £450 per day
Start Date: Immediate
Overview
We are supporting a growing SME (c.£10M turnover) in the appointment of an Interim Project Accountant / Project Finance Manager to bring structure, efficiency, and control to the finance function.
This is a hands-on role focused on reducing the month-end close, improving core processes, and introducing practical automation. You will work closely with the Finance Lead, operating as a key member of a small team, and will be expected to deliver improvements quickly while supporting day-to-day finance activities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Take ownership of the month-end close process, identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements to significantly reduce timelines
2. Work closely with the Finance Lead to streamline day-to-day finance processes, removing bottlenecks and manual work
3. Deliver practical process improvements across key areas such as accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and reporting
4. Introduce simple, effective automation (primarily using Excel and existing systems) to improve efficiency and reduce manual input
5. Provide hands-on support during month-end, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are accurate
6. Improve the quality, clarity, and consistency of management reporting
7. Review existing workflows and implement fit-for-purpose processes suitable for a growing business
8. Support project accounting / cost tracking where required, providing clear visibility of financial performance
9. Provide technical accounting support in a practical and commercially focused way
10. Act as a key support within a small finance team, flexing across priorities as required
Key Requirements
11. Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
12. Proven experience in an interim or hands-on finance role within an SME environment
13. Strong track record of improving and accelerating month-end close
14. Experience in process improvement and simplification, with a pragmatic approach
15. Strong technical accounting knowledge
16. Advanced Excel skills (comfortable building models, improving files, and automating processes)
17. Experience working with finance systems / ERP systems and improving their use
18. Comfortable working in a hands-on role within a lean team
19. Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with non-finance stakeholders
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.