Job Title: Interim Senior Finance Manager - Financial Reporting
Location: Chelmsford
Contract Type: Interim (3-6 months)
Day Rate: £400-£500 per day DOE
OverviewWe are supporting a leading construction business in the appointment of a Senior Finance Manager to provide immediate leadership across financial reporting, audit, and control.
This is a high-impact role requiring an experienced contractor who can take ownership from day one, operate with minimal supervision, and provide stability during a critical period. The role will suit an individual comfortable working in a complex, multi-entity environment with significant joint venture exposure.
Key Responsibilities*Full ownership and oversight of balance sheet integrity, including review, challenge, and sign-off of reconciliations
*Leading the response to external audit requests (PwC), acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring timely, accurate delivery
*Managing audit processes across a portfolio of joint ventures, ensuring supporting documentation and system outputs are robust and audit-ready
*Driving improvements in financial controls, processes, and reporting standards
*Overseeing and supporting the posting and review of general ledger journals, ensuring accuracy and compliance
*Providing leadership on technical accounting and reporting issues, resolving complex queries efficiently
*Supporting VAT-related queries, including investigation and resolution of blocked VAT items
*Extracting, analysing, and validating financial data from systems to support reporting and audit requirements
*Partnering with internal stakeholders across finance and operations to ensure alignment and delivery
Key Requirements*Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
*Strong track record in financial reporting and balance sheet ownership within a complex environment
*Extensive experience managing external audits and dealing with senior auditors
*Proven ability to operate at a senior level, taking ownership and leading processes independently
*Strong technical accounting knowledge and attention to detail
*Advanced understanding of double entry, journals, and financial controls
*Confident stakeholder engagement across finance and non-finance teams
Highly Desirable*Experience within construction / housebuilding environments
*Strong working knowledge of COINS ERP system
*Experience managing or reporting on joint ventures (JVs)
*Exposure to Anaplan or similar planning/reporting tools
Candidate Profile*Senior, credible finance professional able to lead from the front
*Comfortable working in ambiguity and driving outcomes without detailed direction
*Strong problem-solving capability with a hands-on approach
*Able to quickly embed into a team