At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure robust financial management for Connexus.
- Company: Join Connexus, a community-focused rural housing association.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, generous pension, and health plans.
- Why this job: Shape financial excellence and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong leadership experience.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; we value diverse voices and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
The vacancy at Connexus is clear: "Homes you can build a life in". As we continue to strengthen our financial resilience and adapt to an increasingly dynamic regulatory and economic environment, we are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Head of Finance to deliver our financial strategy for the benefit of our customers across Herefordshire and Shropshire. This is a critical leadership role - shaping a culture of financial excellence, strong governance, and continuous improvement. You will ensure Connexus maintains robust financial management, delivers high-quality reporting and insight, and complies fully with statutory and regulatory standards. At the same time, you will drive innovation, optimise value for money, and support strategic decision making that secures sustainable, long term outcomes for our customers, colleagues, and communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership and expert guidance across the Group.
- Lead annual budgets, long-term financial forecasts, statutory accounts, and regulatory returns.
- Oversee treasury management, loan financing, tax compliance (Corporation Tax, VAT, SDLT), and covenant reporting.
- Produce accurate management accounts, cashflow forecasts, and financial performance reporting.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory and Housing Regulator requirements.
- Lead and develop a high performing finance team, promoting strong performance and continuous improvement.
- Review and develop finance policies, systems, processes and ICT solutions.
- Financially appraise new business opportunities and support strategic decision making.
- Drive value for money efficiencies and implement financial KPIs and benchmarking.
- Manage financial risks and maintain strong governance standards.
About You
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA/FCA, ACCA/FCCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with degree level education or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 5 years' post qualification experience and 2 years' senior management experience.
- Strong technical expertise in management accounts, statutory accounts, budgets, treasury, loan finance and tax.
- Skilled in financial planning, ledger management, finance systems development and interpreting complex financial information.
- An inspirational leader with proven experience managing and developing teams.
- Highly organised, analytical and able to communicate financial information clearly and persuasively.
- Proactive, solutions focused and committed to continuous improvement and value for money.
- Collaborative, customer focused and aligned to Connexus' PRIDE values.
- Flexible, adaptable and able to work across multiple locations as required.
This role has been identified as suitable for hybrid working which will be a combination of home working and working from our offices, with Head office at Craven Arms and travel to other offices as required.
About Connexus
Connexus is a rural housing association with its heritage in Shropshire and Herefordshire, providing good quality, affordable and safe homes that customers are proud to live in. We create inclusive neighbourhoods, sustainable rural communities, and provide services that support our customers to build a life in their home. The work our teams do is varied, and no two days are the same. Connexus is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and is keen to address areas of under representation in its workforce, this is because we really understand the importance of different voices, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds within our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Life at Connexus
Connexus is a community focused rural housing group with over 10,500 homes across Shropshire and Herefordshire. Our people are passionate about the services we provide and we will invest in them and empower them to provide a great service to all of our customers. Our clear focus is excellent service delivery.
Some of the benefits
- Up to 30 days annual leave & Bank Holidays
- Continual learning and development opportunities
- Generous pension scheme
- Westfield Health healthcare plan
- Paid sickness leave (upon successful completion of probationary period)
- Enhanced maternity/ paternity pay
We want everyone to be able to do their best. We know it can be daunting to put yourself out there and sometimes the unknown interview processes make things even scarier!
Head of Finance employer: Connexus
Contact Detail:
Connexus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into Connexus. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that arenβt even advertised.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Connexus thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in financial leadership. This will help you tailor your responses and show youβre the perfect fit.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience in managing teams and driving financial strategies, as these are key for the Head of Finance role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youβre genuinely interested in being part of the Connexus team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership, governance, and team management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Connexus!
Showcase Your Achievements: Donβt just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether itβs improving financial processes or leading successful projects, we love to see results that speak for themselves.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex financial information!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, youβll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connexus
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, youβll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows that you can not only manage finances but also strategically lead.
β¨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams to success. Highlight your experience in developing team members and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Connexus values strong leadership, so make sure to convey your ability to inspire and motivate others.
β¨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the statutory and regulatory requirements relevant to housing associations. Be prepared to discuss how youβve ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach this at Connexus. This will demonstrate your readiness to navigate the complexities of the sector.
β¨Align with Connexus Values
Research Connexusβs PRIDE values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, share specific examples of how youβve embodied similar values in your work. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits the company culture.