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Interim Financial Accountant (Tax-Focused)
Contract Length: 3-6 months (extendable)
Location: Hybrid
Reports to: Financial Controller / Head of Finance
Start Date: ASAP
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Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Interim Financial Accountant with strong technical expertise across UK corporation tax, VAT compliance, and broader financial accounting. This role is ideal for a hands‑on contractor who can step in quickly, manage tax cycles independently, improve processes, and ensure timely and accurate submissions while supporting the wider finance team with period-end responsibilities.
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Key Responsibilities
Tax Compliance & Reporting
* Prepare and submit UK Corporation Tax computations in line with statutory requirements.
* Produce accurate and timely VAT returns (monthly/quarterly), ensuring compliance with Making Tax Digital and HMRC requirements.
* Maintain tax schedules, deferred tax calculations, and supporting documentation for audit.
* Act as the internal subject matter expert for tax queries across the business.
Financial Accounting
* Assist with month-end and year-end close, including journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and accruals/prepayments.
* Prepare statutory reporting schedules for external auditors.
* Ensure financial records comply with UK GAAP / IFRS as appropriate.
* Support intercompany accounting, reconciliations, and eliminations where relevant.
Process Improvement & Controls
* Review and enhance internal processes relating to tax, financial controls, and reporting.
* Implement improvements to VAT workflows, tax data quality, and documentation standards.
* Identify opportunities to streamline reporting cycles and reduce compliance risks.
Business Partnering
* Provide clear tax guidance to operational teams, senior management, and project stakeholders.
* Liaise with HMRC, auditors, and external advisors on tax matters.
* Support ad‑hoc finance projects, including system improvements or tax planning initiatives.
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Skills & Experience Required
* Fully qualified accountant: ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent).
* Strong technical experience in corporation tax and VAT (in‑house or practice).
* Proven contracting/interim experience, ideally within multi-entity or SME/scale‑up environments.
* Excellent understanding of UK tax legislation, deadlines, and compliance frameworks.
* Strong Excel and financial systems skills (ERP experience desirable).
* Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and deliver under tight deadlines.
* High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
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Preferred Attributes
* Experience supporting Group structures (multi‑entity).
* Ability to "hit the ground running" with minimal handover.
* Strong communication skills and ability to simplify complex tax topics.
* Comfortable operating in fast-paced or change-oriented environments.
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Contract Details
* Day Rate: £300-£400 per day
* Hours: Full time, 2 days a week on site
* Duration: 3-6 months with potential extension.
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. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.