At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and shape long-term financial strategies.
- Company: Join Halton Housing, an award-winning housing association making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous pension, and holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on communities while gaining Board-level exposure.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and experience in housing associations required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Hays are delighted to be retained by Halton Housing to recruit their next Director of Finance.
Your New Company
Halton Housing is an award-winning housing association managing over 7,000 homes across Cheshire and the North West, committed to its purpose of Improving People's Lives. More than just a housing provider, Halton Housing supports customers at every stage of their journey - from renting and shared ownership to outright homeownership - while continuing to invest in both new and existing homes. Over the last three years, the organisation has delivered over 200 new homes, with ambitious plans to deliver around 300 additional affordable homes between 2026 and 2029. This is a rare opportunity to join a financially strong, forward-thinking organisation that blends commercial rigour with clear social purpose and long-term growth ambition.
Your New Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and sitting on the Leadership Team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the organisation remains financially robust, compliant, and well-positioned for the future. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing a high-performing finance team, driving excellence and continuous improvement
- Shaping and delivering long-term financial planning, including complex modelling and scenario analysis
- Partnering with the Board, Executive and senior leaders to inform strategic decision-making
- Co-leading the organisation's treasury strategy, including funding, cashflow management, and lender relationships
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, audit requirements, and financial covenants
- Overseeing high-quality financial and performance reporting to internal and external stakeholders
- Strengthening internal controls and governance frameworks
- Aligning financial strategy with wider organisational objectives and growth ambitions
This is a broad, impactful role combining strategy, leadership, governance, and commercial insight, with genuine influence at Board level.
What You'll Need to Succeed
To thrive in this role, you will bring a blend of technical excellence, leadership capability, and strategic thinking:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
- Housing Association experience is essential for this role.
- Proven experience working with Boards, Committees, and senior stakeholders
- Demonstrable leadership experience
- Excellent communication skills
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
What you will get in return
This is more than a finance role - it is a chance to shape the future of an organisation that makes a real difference. You will gain Board-level exposure, strategic influence, and the opportunity to contribute to communities across the region, all within a supportive and purpose-driven environment. In addition to a competitive salary, you will receive a fantastic benefits package including hybrid working and a generous pension and holiday entitlement.
If you are looking for your next step-change leadership role where you can combine technical expertise with the opportunity to impact the future development of a very special organisation, then we are keen to hear from you.
What you need to do now
Please click apply to send your CV to Hays and you will be contacted by our retained consultant Mike McGibbon. Any CVs sent directly to Halton will be forwarded to Hays as the retained consultants.
Director of Finance employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Halton Housing is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy within a socially responsible organisation dedicated to improving lives across Cheshire and the North West. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and the chance to influence community growth through strategic decision-making, this role provides not only competitive compensation but also a fulfilling career path in a forward-thinking housing association. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits like hybrid working and a generous pension scheme.
Contact Details:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Halton Housing thoroughly. Understand their mission, recent projects, and financial strategies. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and influenced strategic decisions. Highlighting your experience with Boards and senior stakeholders will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Director of Finance role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in housing associations and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving people's lives through finance. We love seeing candidates who align with our mission, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven excellence and continuous improvement in previous roles. We’re looking for results-driven individuals who can make an impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director 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 data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers, but also about how they impact the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in developing high-performing teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can lead and inspire.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Halton Housing is all about improving people's lives. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of delivering affordable homes and supporting communities.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves partnering with the Board and senior leaders, prepare to discuss your approach to long-term financial planning and scenario analysis. Bring insights from your past experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to influence decision-making at a high level.
