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.This 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 RoleThis is a hands-on, senior leadership position operating across both strategic and operational levels.The successful candidate will:Provide day-to-day leadership of Finance and Planning, ensuring clarity of priorities and deliveryCreate operational headroom for the Executive Director to focus on strategic finance, lender engagement and board assurance.Strengthen financial grip, reporting, and performance insightSupport delivery of year-end, audit, and budget cyclesPlay a key role in embedding integrated planning and data-driven decision-makingKey Focus AreasLeadership & Delivery: Visible, credible leadership of finance and planning teams through a complex and evolving environmentFinancial Planning: Oversight of budgeting, forecasting and development of the medium-term financial planCash & Covenant: Strengthening liquidity management, cash flow forecasting and covenant reportingReporting & Insight: Enhancing Executive and Board-level reporting to support decision-makingBusiness Partnering: Supporting senior academic and professional leaders with clear financial insightAudit & Compliance: Supporting year-end, external audit and regulatory returnsContinuous Improvement: Driving improvements in systems, processes and reporting outputsCandidate ProfileWe are seeking a qualified accountant with:Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally within higher education or a complex regulated environmentA track record of delivering in financially challenged or recovery settingsStrong expertise across planning, forecasting, cash flow, audit and reportingThe ability to bring pace, grip and clarity in a demanding environmentA collaborative, pragmatic and hands-on approachCredibility to operate with Executive colleagues and senior stakeholdersWhy This Role?A rare opportunity to step into a number two finance role with real influenceThe chance to make a tangible difference in a critical periodExposure to Executive and Board-level activityA flexible, hybrid working modelA highly competitive interim package, reflective of the scope and impactKey DetailsDuration: 6-12 monthsStart: Immediate / ASAPLocation: West Yorkshire / 2/3 days in the officeReporting to: Executive Director of Finance and Strategic PlanningFor 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 hays.co.uk