Head of Finance Contract Jobs in Manchester
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Head of Client Risk, CDD, Financial Services
Posted 1 week ago by Harvey Nash
Head of Client Risk, CDD, Financial ServicesA global Financial Services organisation are currently seeking a Head of Cli...
- Rate £800 per day
- Category Inside
- Work type Onsite
- Location London; City of London; East London; Central London; South East London; West London; Canary Wharf; South West London; North London; Greenwich; Stratford
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About Our Head of Finance Contract Roles in Manchester
What does a head of finance contractor do?
As a contract Head of Finance, you are hired to provide senior finance leadership within organisations where the Head of Finance role represents the most senior finance position, typically in mid-market businesses where the scale does not yet justify a full CFO. The role encompasses ownership of the finance function's operational delivery, including management and statutory reporting, financial controls, cash management, and team leadership, alongside more strategic responsibilities such as financial planning, business partnering with operational leaders, and providing commercial financial counsel to the CEO and board. Interim Heads of Finance are brought in when the permanent role is vacant, when the existing finance capability needs to be reset or strengthened, or when a specific financial challenge requires dedicated senior leadership.
The profile expected for an interim Head of Finance engagement combines the technical accounting rigour of a strong Financial Controller with the commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills of a Finance Director. Professional qualification with ACA, ACCA, or CIMA is expected as a baseline, alongside solid experience at a senior finance management or controller level in a business of comparable scale and complexity. The ability to quickly establish credibility with a CEO and board, provide clear and honest financial counsel, manage and develop a finance team, and deliver accurate and timely financial information during what is often a period of organisational uncertainty is the primary measure of success. Most interim Heads of Finance are found through specialist finance interim firms and the professional networks of finance leaders in the relevant sector.
What is the market like for head of finance contractors?
Interim Head of Finance contracting is an active segment of the senior finance interim market, most concentrated in the SME and mid-market, where the Head of Finance is typically the most senior finance leader and the consequences of a vacancy are immediate and material. Private equity-backed businesses, owner-managed businesses undergoing transition, and growing businesses where the finance function has not kept pace with the rest of the organisation are the most active buyers. The market is less deep than the interim FD or CFO markets in terms of absolute volume, but the demand is consistent and the ability to move quickly into a complex senior finance role from day one is highly valued. Rates reflect the seniority and breadth of the role.
What is the contracting market like in Manchester?
Manchester has established itself as the strongest contractor hub outside London, supported by a diverse economy spanning financial services, technology, media, and the public sector. MediaCityUK at Salford Quays anchors a cluster of digital, creative, and broadcasting employers, while Spinningfields and the wider city centre house the financial and professional services concentration. Several major insurers and banks run significant operations from Manchester, and the technology sector has matured considerably, with both established firms and scale-ups competing for software engineering, cloud, and data contractors. The rate gap with London has narrowed over the past few years as employer competition for experienced contractors in the city has intensified, and for many disciplines Manchester now offers comparable depth of opportunity at a materially lower cost base.
How much do head of finance contractors usually earn in Manchester?
Contract rates for head of finance roles in Manchester typically range from £650 to £1200 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many head of finance vacancies in Manchester are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 100 head of finance contract roles across the site, with Manchester accounting for a significant portion. Data reviewed up to September 2026.