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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and inspire a team to shape the future of social housing.
- Company: Join Castles & Coasts Housing Association, dedicated to affordable and quality homes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative and customer-focused culture with diverse candidates welcomed.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of social housing and make a lasting impact on communities across Cumbria and the North East. At Castles & Coasts Housing Association, 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 are 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 or Louise Bickley on 07586 715788.
Recruitment timetable
- Closing Date: 9am on Monday 13 April 2026
- Longlist Meeting: Tuesday 21st April 2026
- Preliminary Interviews: w/c 27th April 2026
- Shortlist Meeting: Monday 11th May 2026
- Final Interviews: Monday 18th May 2026
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria. Detail any employment or education gaps. Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees. Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable. Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com.
Head of Finance in Workington employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Workington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into Castles & Coasts Housing Association. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission of providing affordable housing and community impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and financial expertise can contribute to the team at Castles & Coasts. We want to hear how you can inspire and develop your future colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a team that’s committed to making a difference in communities across Cumbria and the North East.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Workington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, especially in regulated environments, and showcase how you've led teams and managed financial risks.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your Supporting Statement is your chance to shine! Address each criterion in the person specification clearly and provide specific examples of how you meet them. This is where we want to see your personality and passion for our social purpose.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your contact details and ensure everything is accurate. We want to be able to reach you easily, so make it easy for us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to social housing and be prepared to discuss how you would manage budgets and financial risks at Castles & Coasts Housing Association.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires inspiring leadership. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully led a team or driven change. Be ready to share how you can develop your finance team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Social Purpose
Castles & Coasts is all about making a positive impact in communities. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to providing affordable and safe homes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Prepare for scenarios related to financial challenges in regulated environments. Think through how you would approach these situations and what strategies you would implement.