Interim Director of Finance and Operations

This interim role sits within a founder-led professional services business seeking senior finance leadership on a 3-month contract. The postholder will take ownership of the full finance function, from monthly management accounts and board reporting through to cash flow forecasting, budgeting and long-range planning. There is a strong commercial and operational dimension, with close partnership expected across HR, operations and senior leadership.

The role also covers statutory compliance including payroll and VAT, external relationship management with accountants, auditors and banking partners, and commercial analysis to support strategic decision-making. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a hands-on capacity within a growing SME environment.

• Produce monthly management accounts, board packs and financial commentary to agreed timelines.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, working capital and treasury activities.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and long-range financial planning processes.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve project profitability, utilisation and resource planning.
• Support HR with workforce planning, headcount reporting and remuneration analysis.
• Lead relationships with external accountants, auditors and banking partners, and ensure payroll, VAT and statutory compliance.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance or equivalent senior finance leader.
• Background in professional services, construction or consultancy.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence and challenge at senior leadership level.
• Experience working directly with founders or entrepreneurial leadership teams.
• Solid understanding of operational KPIs, project performance metrics and resource management.

Mackie Myers is a specialist recruitment firm placing finance and operations professionals into founder-led and growth-stage businesses. The firm operates on a retained and contingency basis and has a strong track record placing interim and permanent candidates across the UK.