Location: Oxford ( hybrid working)
Contract: Interim
Working pattern: Hybrid — 2–3 days per week in the office, remainder from home
Start date: ASAP, 3- 6 month contract
Daily Rate: Competitive ( via Umbrella Company)
We are seeking an experienced Interim Financial Controller to support an Oxford-based SME.
This is a hands-on interim role suited to a qualified accountant who is comfortable working in a smaller business, taking ownership of the finance function, and supporting senior stakeholders with accurate reporting and commercial financial insight.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day finance function in a hands-on capacity.
Prepare monthly management accounts, reporting packs, reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, and variance analysis.
Manage cash flow reporting, forecasting, and working capital visibility.
Oversee project accounting, including project cost tracking, margin analysis, profitability reporting, and revenue recognition.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activity.
Maintain and improve financial controls, processes, and reporting standards.
Work closely with senior leadership to provide commercial finance support and decision-making insight.
Liaise with external accountants, auditors, banks, and professional advisers where required.
Ensure VAT, statutory, tax, and compliance deadlines are met.
Mentor one junior member of staff.
Essential Requirements
Fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent.
Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or senior finance lead.
Strong background working within an SME or owner-managed business environment.
Comfortable operating in a hands-on finance role, including both detail-level finance work.
Strong project accounting experience.
Experience in a project-led sector (eg: property, real estate, construction, development, infrastructure, or a similar environment.)
Able to work from the Oxford office 2–3 days per week.
Available at short notice or able to commit to an interim assignment for 3-6 months.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a qualified, hands-on Financial Controller with strong SME experience and a background in a project-led sector.
They will be comfortable working in a smaller business where the role requires both operational finance delivery and senior-level financial control. They should be able to quickly establish credibility, manage the finance function, and provide clear, accurate financial information to support business decisions.