Interim TRAC Accountant (Higher Education)
£450–£500 per day (Inside IR35)
2 days per week onsite – Monday & Wednesday
We are recruiting for an experienced Interim TRAC Accountant to support a leading Higher Education institution with the end-to-end delivery of its annual Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) return.
This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with a strong university finance background who can take ownership of the TRAC process while working closely with Finance, Planning, Research, and academic stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the end-to-end delivery of the annual TRAC return, ensuring compliance with all TRAC guidance and submission deadlines.
* Lead the planning, preparation, validation, and reconciliation of TRAC data to the statutory accounts.
* Review and maintain TRAC methodologies, including indirect cost allocations, academic workload planning, estates costs, and Full Economic Costing (FEC).
* Work closely with Finance, Planning, HR, Estates, and Research teams to ensure the accuracy and integrity of source data.
* Produce analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making, research costing, and financial planning.
* Manage audit requirements, maintaining clear documentation and supporting internal and external review processes.
* Identify opportunities to improve TRAC processes, controls, and reporting.
Essential Experience
* Significant experience delivering the annual TRAC return within a UK Higher Education institution.
* Proven experience owning the TRAC process from planning through to submission.
* Strong understanding of TRAC methodology, Full Economic Costing (FEC), and Research England requirements.
* Experience reconciling TRAC returns to statutory financial statements.
* Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively across Finance, Planning, Research, HR, and Estates.
* Advanced Excel skills with excellent analytical and financial modelling capability.
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience with substantial Higher Education finance experience.
Contract Details
* Day Rate: £450–£500 per day (Inside IR35)
* Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week onsite (Monday & Wednesday)
* Sector: Higher Education
* Contract: Interim
If you have a proven track record of delivering annual TRAC returns and are available for your next interim opportunity, we'd love to hear from you