Interim Finance Manager

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

• Take ownership of the month-end close process , identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements to significantly reduce timelines
• Work closely with the Finance Lead to streamline day-to-day finance processes , removing bottlenecks and manual work
• Deliver practical process improvements across key areas such as accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and reporting
• Introduce simple, effective automation (primarily using Excel and existing systems) to improve efficiency and reduce manual input
• Provide hands-on support during month-end , ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are accurate
• Improve the quality, clarity, and consistency of management reporting
• Review existing workflows and implement fit-for-purpose processes suitable for a growing business
• Support project accounting / cost tracking where required, providing clear visibility of financial performance
• Provide technical accounting support in a practical and commercially focused way
• Act as a key support within a small finance team , flexing across priorities as required

Key Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in an interim or hands-on finance role within an SME environment
• Strong track record of improving and accelerating month-end close
• Experience in process improvement and simplification , with a pragmatic approach
• Strong technical accounting knowledge
• Advanced Excel skills (comfortable building models, improving files, and automating processes)
• Experience working with finance systems / ERP systems and improving their use
• Comfortable working in a hands-on role within a lean team
• Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with non-finance stakeholders