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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and inspire a team of 30 in a dynamic environment.
- Company: CCHA, dedicated to providing affordable housing and improving communities.
- Benefits: Salary up to £91,000, car allowance, and commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on communities while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in regulated environments.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 54600 - 91000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £91,000 plus £3,000 car allowance
Location: Carlisle, Newcastle or Workington
Help shape the future of social housing and make a lasting impact on communities across Cumbria and the North East. At CCHA, we are passionately committed to our social purpose and to providing affordable, safe, good quality homes and communities for people to live and thrive in. Owning and managing over 7,400 homes in rural and urban communities across the north of England, we are securely funded, have an ambitious development programme, and are fully compliant with Regulatory Standards. With offices in Carlisle, Newcastle and Workington, and employing 300 staff, we are committed to investing around £30m each year in delivering new homes and improving our existing homes, as well as creating employment and skills opportunities in our local communities.
About the role
Following an internal promotion, we’re recruiting a Head of Finance to provide inspiring, forward‑looking leadership to our finance team of around 30 colleagues. Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance & Corporate Services, whose remit spans a wide portfolio, you will lead the full breadth of CCHA’s financial operations and safeguard our long‑term financial resilience. It’s a diverse and influential position, shaping organisation‑wide decisions as a key member of our senior leadership team.
About you
You’ll be a customer‑focused, fully qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA) with the confidence, resilience and wide‑ranging experience needed for a high‑profile role. You’ll bring a background in regulated, customer‑driven environments, along with a proven ability to develop your team and champion continuous improvement. Strong relationship‑management skills and sound judgement will make you an effective influencer, able to anticipate and manage financial risks. This is a role with considerable scope for impact within CCHA’s team and people‑centred culture.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates from all sections of the community. Our culture is highly collaborative, customer-focused and inclusive. If you share our values and social purpose, then please download the candidate pack by clicking the ‘Continue’ button below.
If you then require a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at GatenbySanderson: Nick Roberts on 07393 013697, nick.roberts@gatenbysanderson.com, or Louise Bickley on 07586 715788, louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 13 April 2026.
Head of Finance in Carlisle employer: Castles & Coasts Housing Association
Contact Detail:
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Carlisle
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role. We want to see how your experience can directly benefit their team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before the interview! Research CCHA’s mission and values, and think about how your background aligns with their goals. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview – it shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your CCAB or CIMA status, and any relevant experience in regulated environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for social housing and how your leadership style can contribute to CCHA’s mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Team Development Skills: Since this role involves leading a finance team, emphasise your experience in developing and mentoring others. Share specific examples of how you've championed continuous improvement and built strong relationships within your teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castles & Coasts Housing Association
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to CCHA and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so prepare examples that highlight your leadership style. Think about times when you’ve inspired your team or implemented changes that improved performance.
✨Understand the Social Purpose
CCHA is all about social impact. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to providing affordable housing and community development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Prepare scenarios where you had to manage financial risks or make tough decisions, and explain your thought process clearly.