Interim Head of Finance, Audit & Risk - no less than three months
Salary: £70, 000–£75,000 | LATCO (£4.5m turnover)
On site. Reporting to the CEO
We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Finance, Audit & Risk to provide hands on leadership across financial stewardship, governance, audit coordination, risk management and benchmarking within a lean, commercially focused LATCO environment.
This role suits a pragmatic, proportionate operator who is comfortable working at both strategic and detailed levels, ensuring the organisation meets local authority shareholder expectations while maintaining strong commercial discipline.
This role is offered on an initial three-month, full-time, fixed-term contract. We are also open to considering candidates seeking a three- or four-day working week.
Key Responsibilities
· Governance & Assurance — Maintain proportionate governance arrangements, support Board and Audit & Risk Committee operations, act as principal governance officer, and ensure compliance with Companies Act and shareholder protocols.
· Financial Management — Lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory accounts, and commercial oversight including pricing, margins, cash flow and working capital.
· Audit Coordination — Manage external audit activity, liaise with auditors, implement recommendations, and provide concise assurance reporting.
· Risk Management — Own the corporate risk register, oversee financial, contractual, compliance and reputational risks, and embed risk awareness in daily decision making.
· Benchmarking & VFM — Lead practical benchmarking of overheads, productivity, pricing, remuneration and service performance to demonstrate value for money and commercial competitiveness.
· Controls & Compliance — Ensure compliance with funding agreements, contracts and shareholder requirements; maintain internal controls and fraud prevention measures.
Skills & Experience
· Senior finance/governance experience in a LATCO or similar £2m–£10m environment
· Recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent
· Direct experience working with Boards and Audit & Risk Committees
· Strong audit coordination and risk management capability
· Clear, concise assurance reporting skills
· Desirable: LATCO shareholder liaison; benchmarking expertise; automation knowledge
Personal Attributes
Pragmatic, commercially minded, proportionate, calm under scrutiny, and comfortable operating across both strategy and delivery.
Pay: £70,000.00-£75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Life insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chatham (Kent): reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
