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 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 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. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15…