Head of Finance in Witham

Job Purpose

The Head of Finance provides strategic and operational leadership of the finance function, ensuring Calm Futures remains financially robust, commercially focused and well governed.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the post holder works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director and operational leaders to shape strategy, support sustainable growth and provide financial insight that enables the delivery of high-quality care.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on financial management and plays a key role in supporting business growth, acquisitions, service development and investment decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Develop and deliver the Calm Futures financial strategy, aligned to corporate objectives and long‑term business plans.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Managing Director, Board and Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead financial modelling and scenario planning to support growth, investment and service development.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial performance, efficiency and value for money while maintaining high standards of care.
• Monitor developments within the adult social care sector and advise on the financial impact of changes in commissioning, funding and regulation.
• Financial Planning and Performance
• Lead the annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning processes.
• Develop and lead an annual strategy for fee uplifts, using financial analysis, market intelligence and benchmarking to support negotiations with local authorities, NHS commissioners and other funding bodies.
• Produce accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts, cash flow projections and performance analysis.
• Monitor financial performance, identifying emerging risks and opportunities.
• Work with operational managers to improve budget management and financial accountability.
• Board Reporting and Governance
• Prepare high‑quality financial reports, forecasts and business cases for the Board.
• Present complex financial information clearly to support informed decision‑making.
• Support the Board in meeting its governance responsibilities through robust financial reporting, assurance and risk management.
• Contribute to organisational planning and performance reporting.
• Business Growth and Acquisitions
• Support the business in evaluating and delivering strategic growth opportunities.
• Lead the financial appraisal, modelling and due diligence of acquisitions, mergers and new services.
• Work with external advisers throughout acquisition processes.
• Support post‑acquisition integration, ensuring effective financial controls, reporting and performance monitoring.
• Financial Control and Compliance
• Maintain effective financial controls, policies and governance arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, accounting standards and regulatory obligations.
• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and manage the external audit process.
• Oversee tax, VAT, payroll and statutory reporting requirements.
• Provide financial oversight of local authority and NHS/ICB contracts, private income and commissioned services.
• Monitor occupancy, staffing costs, agency spend and service profitability.
• Support fee negotiations through financial analysis and benchmarking.
• Work closely with operational leaders to improve financial performance while maintaining safe, person‑centred care.
• Treasury and Commercial Management
• Oversee cash flow, working capital and banking arrangements.
• Manage relationships with auditors, lenders, insurers and professional advisers.
• Review commercial contracts, procurement activity and financial risk.
• Ensure effective debtor management and income collection.
• Systems and Continuous Improvement
• Lead the development of finance systems, reporting and internal processes.
• Promote automation and technology to improve efficiency and reporting capability.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, timely and supports operational decision‑making.
• Leadership
• Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing culture.
• Support professional development, succession planning and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships across Calm Ftures, promoting commercial awareness and financial accountability.
• Lead financial risk management and contribute to the corporate risk register and business continuity planning.
• Monitor financial risks associated with growth, acquisitions and service delivery.
• Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements are maintained.
• General Responsibilities
• Uphold Calm Futures values and commitment to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of developments in finance, governance and adult social care.
• Represent the organisation professionally with commissioners, regulators and external partners.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the seniority of the role.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.
• Adult social care, healthcare or another regulated sector.
• Experience reporting to Boards or Trustees and presenting strategic financial information.
• Strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting and financial control.
• Experience managing external audit and regulatory compliance.
• Financial modelling, business planning and commercial decision support.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, organisational growth or major business change.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Knowledge of CQC regulation and social care funding.
• Acquisition due diligence and post‑acquisition integration.
• Experience within a private equity‑backed or high‑growth organisation.

Skills and Attributes

• Commercially astute with strong strategic thinking.
• Excellent financial analysis and modelling skills.
• Able to translate financial information into clear business recommendations.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Organised, resilient and able to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.
• Collaborative leader with integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous improvement.
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