Temporary Assistant Finance Manager – 3 Month Sickness Cover

About the role

This temporary position supports a busy finance function in Durham for an initial three‑month sickness cover. Reporting to the senior finance team, you will help deliver accurate month‑end reporting and provide financial insight to stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and commenting on the monthly management reporting pack, including variance analysis.
• Provide regular performance updates to budget holders and engage with stakeholders.
• Support system improvements and process enhancements, participating in finance projects as needed.
• Process journals, manage month‑end and year‑end activities such as accruals and pre‑payments.
• Prepare and review general ledger reconciliations, ensuring compliance with internal controls.
• Investigate reconciling items promptly and maintain clear audit trails.
• Produce ad‑hoc management reports for internal stakeholders and funding bodies.
• Assist with internal and external audits, supplying required information.

Required profile

• Previous experience in management accounting, assistant finance management, or a similar finance role.
• Strong understanding of month‑end processes, journals, accruals, pre‑payments and reconciliations.
• Excellent analytical ability to interpret financial data and provide meaningful commentary.
• Effective communication skills for engaging with budget holders and non‑finance stakeholders.

Required skills

• Excel

What we offer

• Three‑month fixed‑term contract covering sickness absence.
• Opportunity to work within a dynamic finance team and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Exposure to month‑end processes, financial reporting and finance‑related projects.