At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial excellence and support decision-making across a multi-site care organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-looking care organisation committed to high-quality, sustainable care.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Office-based in Darlington with occasional travel to care homes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial leadership while nurturing thriving communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Lead financial excellence through insight, governance and strong leadership. Joining us means becoming part of a forward-looking care organisation with a strong, long-term commitment to the success of every home. Supported by substantial, planned investment, we provide the resources and stability needed to deliver high-quality, sustainable care while nurturing thriving communities.
This is a full-time, office-based role based at our Support Office in Darlington, working 40 hours per week and offering the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across the organisation to support homes nationwide. Residents, families and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in using strong financial leadership, insight and collaboration to support effective decision-making and enable our homes to deliver outstanding outcomes.
As Financial Controller, you'll be a key operational finance leader, responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, robust controls and effective reporting across a large, multi-site care organisation. Combining technical expertise with strategic oversight, you'll provide the governance, insight and leadership needed to support sustainable performance and informed decision-making.
Reporting to the Chief Technology & Finance Officer, you'll oversee the core finance operations, including management reporting, treasury, accounts payable and income management. Leading a team of senior finance professionals, you'll ensure financial processes operate effectively, records are accurate and reporting is delivered to the highest standards.
You'll take ownership of the finance control environment, ensuring appropriate governance, documentation and assurance processes are in place. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you'll oversee internal controls, support audit activity and ensure financial reporting meets both regulatory and organisational requirements.
You'll lead the production and review of management accounts, budgets, forecasts and reporting packs, providing meaningful analysis on financial performance, occupancy, revenue, funding mix and cost drivers. You'll also support strategic decision-making by identifying opportunities, managing risks and providing clear financial insight to senior leaders.
With responsibility for statutory reporting and external audit management, you'll play a key role in maintaining financial integrity while supporting continuous improvement across the Finance function.
About you
You'll be an experienced finance leader and qualified accountant with a strong background in financial control, reporting and business partnering within a complex, multi-site organisation. You'll combine technical accounting expertise with strong leadership skills, confidently managing teams, influencing senior stakeholders and ensuring high standards of financial governance. Commercially aware and analytical, you'll be comfortable turning complex financial information into clear insight that supports better decisions. You'll thrive in a role that balances operational delivery with strategic thinking, bringing a structured, collaborative approach to improving processes, strengthening controls and supporting business performance.
What you'll bring
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience.
- Extensive experience leading financial control, management reporting and finance operations within a complex organisation.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including statutory reporting, audit management, budgeting and forecasting.
- Experience leading and developing senior finance teams across multiple disciplines.
- Strong understanding of internal controls, governance frameworks and financial risk management.
- Experience producing meaningful financial analysis, including performance trends, revenue analysis and cost management insight.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and communicate financial information clearly.
Desirable
- Experience within healthcare, social care, hospitality or another multi-site operational environment.
- Knowledge of care sector funding streams and associated accounting treatment.
- Experience operating within a SOX Section 404 or similarly controlled reporting environment.
- Experience supporting investor reporting requirements and complex Group reporting structures.
This role is based at our Central Support Office in Darlington, with regular office attendance and occasional travel to care homes and regional offices. An Enhanced DBS check and DVLA licence check are required for this role. As with all colleagues, you'll be expected to comply with our policies relating to health and safety, infection prevention and control, safeguarding and all relevant regulatory requirements. From time to time, you may be asked to undertake other duties appropriate to the role, and the responsibilities outlined above may be reasonably reviewed and updated following consultation to reflect business needs.
Application Closing Date: 12noon, Monday 3rd August 2026
Financial Controller employer: HC-One - Finance
HC-One is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation within the care sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities and a commitment to professional development, all while working in the vibrant community of Darlington. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨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.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like HC-One - Finance. 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 Financial Controller
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 HC-One - Finance.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on HC-One - Finance'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 HC-One - Finance
✨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 HC-One - Finance.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
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.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at HC-One - Finance will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former HC-One - Finance 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.