At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and commercial performance for a growing elderly care provider.
- Company: Established elderly care provider with a focus on growth and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and equity participation opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a care business while driving strategic financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience in social care or related sectors.
Location: Durham
Salary: 80,000 - 100,000 Per Annum
Are you a commercially-driven finance leader looking for a newly created executive role where you can genuinely shape the future of a growing care business? We're partnering with an established and growing Elderly Care provider to recruit a Commercial and Finance Director. This is a highly visible, newly created position where you'll work closely with the Board, lead the finance function and drive commercial performance across a portfolio of care homes as the business enters its next phase of growth.
The Opportunity
- Sitting at the top of the organisation's structure and reporting into the Board, you'll take ownership of both finance and commercial performance, leading the finance function, guiding operational leadership on strategic and financial decisions, and playing a central role in the business's acquisition and growth plans.
- This is a hands-on, high-impact position ideal for someone who can move comfortably between the detail of financial control and the bigger picture of commercial strategy, and who isn't afraid to challenge the Board and senior leadership when it matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the finance function, with direct reports into you.
- Own commercial performance across the portfolio, driving occupancy growth, EBITDA improvement and robust reporting frameworks.
- Work closely with the Board and operational leadership team, providing strategic financial and commercial guidance.
- Support and lead on acquisitions, new home commissioning, and business expansion projects.
- Interpret complex financial data (including EBITDA bridges) and translate it into actionable commercial strategy.
- Influence and challenge senior stakeholders to ensure sound strategic decision-making.
- Build and maintain robust budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management processes across the group.
- Act as a key driver of business transformation as the organisation scales.
The Ideal Candidate
- You'll have significant senior finance leadership experience within Social Care or a closely related healthcare/regulated residential sector, ideally with a background rooted in strong financial control (Finance Controller, Head of Finance, or equivalent) before progressing into broader commercial leadership.
- Crucially, you'll have direct reports into you, with genuine line management experience rather than having operated as a sole practitioner.
- The organisation is looking for someone with real gravitas and presence, confident negotiating with senior leadership, commercially hungry, and energised by the opportunity to help build a growing business.
- A chartered accountant background is helpful but not essential; what matters most is demonstrable commercial acumen within care homes.
Requirements
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within Social Care, ideally progressing from a strong Financial Controller or Head of Finance background.
- Proven experience managing and developing a finance team, with direct reports into you.
- Demonstrable commercial experience supporting the growth of social care portfolios through operational improvement, acquisitions or business expansion.
- Strong technical understanding of finance, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and commercial performance.
- Experience operating at Executive or Board level, confidently influencing strategic decision-making.
- Based in or around the North East, with the ability to work from Head Office and travel regularly across the home portfolio.
Package
- 80,000 - 100,000 per annum basic salary
- Significant performance-related bonus tied to profit and occupancy performance
- Equity participation opportunity
- The chance to play a leading role in shaping the future of a growing care home group
Interview Process
- Stage 1: Initial interview
- Stage 2: Final interview with senior leadership/Board
Location
The role is commutable from: Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, Sunderland, Consett, Durham, Seaham, Hartlepool, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Richmond, Northallerton and Thirsk.
Interested?
To apply or find out more, contact Charlie Williams at Compass Associates for a confidential discussion.
Commercial Finance Director (Permanent) in Durham employer: Compass Associates
Compass Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Wokingham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming healthcare operations. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Director (Permanent) in Durham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Compass Associates. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Director (Permanent) in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Compass Associates.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Compass Associates's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Compass Associates.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Compass Associates employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
