Interim TRAC Accountant

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.