Finance Analyst – Interim (4‑5 months) – Hybrid, West London

About the role

Join a leading London university as a Finance Analyst on a 4‑5 month interim contract. The role ensures accurate and timely financial information to support internal decision‑making and provides key month‑end, reporting and audit support.

Key responsibilities

• Perform the month‑end close process, recording all transactions, accruals, pre‑payments and income recognition.
• Review and produce management dashboards, variance analysis and KPI reports for senior stakeholders.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations, investigate differences and escalate issues when required.
• Collaborate with heads of finance and departments to capture initiatives in budgets and forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and manage necessary approvals and access authorisations.
• Support process improvements and enhancements as directed by the line manager.
• Engage with key stakeholders, acting as the first point of contact for finance queries.
• Assist internal and external auditors by providing documentation and explanations.

Required profile

• Part‑qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CPA, CCAB) or equivalent; university degree (2:1 minimum) desirable.
• Proven experience in a management accounting role, preferably within higher education or a similar environment.
• Knowledge of FRS102, Higher Education SORP and Oracle Fusion; PowerBI knowledge is a plus.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with Essbase reporting.
• Smartview reporting expertise.
• PowerBI for data visualisation.
• Oracle Fusion financial system.