At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure robust financial management for our communities.
- Company: Join Connexus, a community-focused rural housing association.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping financial excellence and supporting sustainable outcomes.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial expertise.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and community service.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The vacancy at Connexus, our purpose 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Head of Finance in London employer: Connexus
Contact Detail:
Connexus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Connexus thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling skills. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in a way that highlights your leadership and strategic thinking. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've driven financial excellence and innovation.
✨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 you're serious about joining Connexus and contributing to their mission of creating homes where people can build a life.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Finance role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Connexus is looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a leadership position, emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving financial excellence. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success and improved financial processes in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for the hiring team to see why you're a great fit for Connexus.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application goes directly to us and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connexus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've led financial strategy and improved financial performance.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think about times when you've successfully managed a team. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've developed talent and fostered a culture of excellence within your finance team.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the statutory and regulatory requirements relevant to Connexus. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this in the context of a housing association.
✨Align with Connexus' Values
Connexus values collaboration and community focus. Research their PRIDE values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of providing quality homes and services.