At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and inspire a team to ensure financial resilience.
- Company: CCHA, dedicated to providing affordable housing and improving communities.
- Benefits: Salary up to £91,000, car allowance, and investment in community development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on social housing and shape community futures.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in regulated environments.
- Other info: Join a collaborative and inclusive culture with significant career growth potential.
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.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 13 April 2026.
Head of Finance 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in social housing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CCHA’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our mission to provide affordable homes and improve communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background as a qualified accountant can help shape financial strategies at CCHA. We want to hear how you can lead our finance team to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social housing shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in communities, so share your thoughts on our mission and how you can contribute.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in regulated environments and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 be prepared to share examples of how you've inspired and developed your colleagues. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a difference in your team's performance.
✨Understand the Social Purpose
CCHA is all about social housing and community impact. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to providing affordable homes and improving communities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Prepare for scenarios related to financial risks or team dynamics, and think through how you would approach these challenges in a way that reflects CCHA's collaborative culture.