A leading Russell Group University required an Interim Director of Financial Reporting to take immediate responsibility for year-end reporting and the preparation of financial statements. The role reported directly to an acting CFO, creating a need for someone who could adapt quickly and operate with minimal supervision.
The assignment was scoped for up to 12 months, and while higher education experience was desirable, it was not essential—recognising that this would significantly narrow the candidate pool. McLean partnered with the University on a structured two-week process, including an initial briefing, a one-week progress check, and a final shortlist presentation of 2–4 top candidates.
Following McLean’s evaluation, three candidates were fast-tracked into a collaborative selection process involving 4–5 key finance stakeholders. The final shortlist included professionals from both higher education and industry. Ultimately, the University appointed a seasoned interim with a proven track record in financial reporting across listed (large and mid-cap) and public sector organisations.
