At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for a housing association, ensuring financial health and compliance.
- Company: Highstone Housing Association, dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults in Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, 18 days annual leave, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to improving quality of life for residents.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable adults while enjoying flexibility.
- Qualifications: MAAT or CCAB qualified with five years' finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 51000 € 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
Financial Controller employer: Highstone Housing Association Limited
Highstone Housing Association is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful role as a Financial Controller where your financial expertise directly enhances the lives of vulnerable adults. With a values-driven culture, flexible part-time hours, and a supportive team environment based in Barnsley, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and professional growth within a specialist housing provider.
Contact Detail:
Highstone Housing Association Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Highstone Housing Association. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Highstone's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals of supporting vulnerable adults. Tailoring your answers to reflect their ethos can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial knowledge! Brush up on key areas like Housing SORP and FRS 102, as well as your experience with audit processes. Being confident in these topics will help us see that you're the right fit for the Financial Controller role.
✨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 a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your MAAT or CCAB status, and any relevant experience in managing audits and financial systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and how your financial expertise can contribute to Highstone's mission. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Values:Highstone is all about values-driven work. In your application, make sure to express your alignment with their mission of providing safe, quality homes for those in need. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a purpose.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 improved financial processes in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your work has made a tangible difference.
✨Understand the Mission
Highstone Housing Association is all about supporting vulnerable adults. Make sure you understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their goals and improve the lives of residents. Show them that you care about the impact of your work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around technical accounting standards like Housing SORP and FRS 102. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you've applied them in your past roles. This will show your depth of knowledge and confidence in handling complex financial matters.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading the finance function, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams or projects effectively. Discuss your approach to governance and compliance, as well as how you support and mentor others in the finance team.
