Interim Finance & HR Manager Interim

Interim Finance & HR Manager – Higher Education Institution

Cedar is currently supporting one of our higher education clients who is seeking a proactive and strategic Finance & HR Manager to support their Department Manager and Head of Department in delivering departmental objectives and driving operational excellence.

Hourly rate: £22-£27 per hour Inside IR35

Hybrid: 2 days on site

Location: London

Duration: 3 months

About the Role

As the Finance & HR Manager, you’ll be a key member of the professional services team, overseeing the management of both human and financial resources. In this role, you will lead on a range of HR matters from policy implementation, recruitment, onboarding, and advisory services to performance management and training coordination. You’ll also be responsible for financial planning, budget monitoring, and expense management, collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Management

• Monitor and manage budgets, financial reporting, and auditing processes.
• Serve as the first point of contact for financial issues, supporting the department on budget forecasts and reconciliations.
• Manage expense claims, credit card payments, and day-to-day financial processing, ensuring all transactions are compliant with financial regulations.

HR Management

• Provide expert advice on HR policies and employment legislation to department leadership.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and employee life cycle management.
• Coordinate academic staff appointments, probation reviews, and performance appraisals.
• Advise on visa compliance and act as Inclusion Lead, ensuring a supportive and diverse work environment.

General Responsibilities

• Provide cross-team support, cover for colleagues during leave, and contribute to departmental events.
• Act as IT representative, manage Finance & HR inbox queries, and ensure compliance with data protection and health & safety policies.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a confident and organised individual with a strong background in Finance and HR ideally within a higher education setting. You should have a keen eye for detail, a commitment to continuous improvement, and an ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.