At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance team, optimise systems, and ensure compliance for a housing association.
- Company: Highstone Housing Association, dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary, flexible working, and 18 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a small, committed team and enjoy project variety with visible impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable residents while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent, with experience in audit and systems optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 € per year.
Looking for a senior finance role where your expertise directly improves the lives of vulnerable adults?
If you want the seniority and breadth of a Financial Controller position with the flexibility of part-time hours - and the knowledge that your work genuinely matters - this could be the role for you.
You’ll be joining Highstone Housing Association, a specialist provider of supported housing for adults with learning and physical disabilities across
Yorkshire. Highstone is a values-driven organisation with a clear mission: to provide safe, quality homes that enable residents to live as independently as possible. They’re now looking for a Financial Controller to strengthen their finance function and support the next phase of their development.
Working 2.5 days per week, you’ll have the flexibility many senior finance professionals are seeking, combined with a genuinely varied and impactful remit. This is a hybrid role based from their Barnsley head office, with flexibility to work from home.
What You’ll Do Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll lead the finance function of this specialist housing association. Your remit will span the full breadth of financial management - from preparing monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts, to leading the audit process, managing the annual rent and service charge setting cycle, and overseeing treasury administration.
Beyond core finance, you’ll take on responsibility for procurement, insurance management, and the oversight of financial controls and regulatory compliance. You’ll also serve as Deputy Society Secretary, supporting governance and board activities, and as Deputy Safeguarding Lead - reflecting Highstone’s commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable adults they house.
This is a role with genuine variety and impact. Every system you improve and every process you strengthen directly supports the quality of life for residents with complex care needs.
What You’ll Need
- MAAT or CCAB qualified (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW) with evidence of continuing professional development
- A minimum of five years’ experience in a finance environment, with exposure to management accounts and statutory accounts preparation
- Experience of managing the audit process and working with external auditors
- Strong understanding of technical accounting ideally to include Housing SORP, FRS 102 and UK GAAP
- Confidence with financial systems (Sage 50 experience would be an advantage)
Why This Role Matters
Highstone Housing Association manages approximately 300 units of supported housing across Yorkshire, providing homes for adults with learning disabilities and complex care needs. As Financial Controller, you’ll be instrumental in ensuring the organisation’s financial health and regulatory standing - and in doing so, you’ll be helping to secure stable, safe homes for some of society’s most vulnerable people.
The breadth of this role is a genuine strength. From treasury management to insurance oversight, procurement to governance support, you’ll see the direct impact of your work in stronger financial foundations and better outcomes for residents.
What’s In It For You
A salary of £25,500 for 2.5 days per week (£51,000 FTE). The role is offered as an 18-month fixed term contract with a strong expectation of extension. Benefits include 18 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays, pro-rated for 0.5 FTE), and the potential for additional hours during peak periods such as audit and year-end.
You’ll be based from Highstone’s head office in Barnsley with hybrid working flexibility, and you’ll be part of a small, committed team that takes real pride in the work they do.
Interested? Let’s talk.
For a confidential conversation about this role, or to apply, please contact Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan. We are working exclusively with Highstone Housing Association on this appointment and are committed to finding the right person who shares their values and can support their important mission.
- Closing date - 3rd June 2026
- Interviews to be held - 11th & 12th June 2026
Financial Controller in Barnsley employer: Highstone Housing Association Limited
Highstone Housing Association is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable adults. With a flexible part-time role as a Financial Controller, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values your expertise and offers opportunities for professional growth, all within a hybrid working environment based in Barnsley. Join a dedicated team where your contributions directly enhance the quality of life for residents, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Contact Detail:
Highstone Housing Association Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in housing associations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Highstone Housing Association and their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you genuinely care about supporting vulnerable adults and improving their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in audit management and systems optimisation can directly benefit the organisation. Make it clear that you’re the perfect fit for their finance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Financial Controller role. Highlight your CCAB qualifications and any relevant experience in housing associations or supported housing to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and how your finance expertise can make a difference at Highstone Housing Association. Keep it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Systems Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong Sage 50 and systems optimisation skills, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you’ve improved processes in your previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highstone Housing Association Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll 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 improvements in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also leverage them for strategic decision-making.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Highstone Housing Association focuses on supporting vulnerable adults, so it’s crucial to align your values with theirs. Research their mission and think about how your experience can contribute to improving outcomes for residents. This will help you articulate why you're the right fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in areas like audit management and regulatory compliance. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges or implemented systems that improved processes. This will showcase your practical knowledge and adaptability.
✨Showcase Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with a small team, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you’ve collaborated effectively with others, particularly in finance-related projects. This demonstrates your ability to work well in a supportive environment, which is key for Highstone's mission.
