At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategies that shape our future and support thriving communities.
- Company: Join Irwell Valley Homes, a purpose-driven housing association in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on trust, support, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives through strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience, ideally in social housing.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Oaklands House, Suite 2, Second Floor, Oaklands House, 34 Washway Road, Sale, M33 6FS
£84,000 - £90,000 per annum, plus great benefits
Permanent, Full Time – 35 hours per week
Closing date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Shape our future. Power our ambitions. Join our Leadership Team.
Are you a strategic, values-led finance leader who wants to make a real difference? At Irwell Valley Homes, we are more than a landlord. We are a not-for-profit housing association providing social homes and services to 7,800 homes across Greater Manchester, with a clear mission to create thriving, resilient communities and enable people to live well in their homes.
We are looking for an experienced Head of Finance to join our Leadership Team and help shape the organisation’s next chapter. Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance, you will lead the function that keeps IVH financially strong, commercially sharp and ready to invest in the homes, services and communities that matter most.
Why this role matters
This is a high-impact role at the centre of strategic decision-making. You will bring together technical expertise, commercial judgement and clear insight to help IVH balance ambition with affordability, manage risk with confidence and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
What you will lead
You will lead a finance function that does far more than manage the numbers. Your team will provide the planning, reporting, controls and insight that help IVH make bold, responsible and well-informed decisions.
You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, the Executive Team, Board and Committees, turning complex financial information into clear advice, constructive challenge and practical action. From budgets, forecasts and statutory accounts to treasury, cashflow, covenant monitoring and investment appraisal, you will help us make choices that protect resilience, unlock value and support better outcomes for customers.
Just as importantly, you will lead an inclusive, capable and forward-looking team, creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and excellent service.
Working Pattern
Whilst we operate hybrid working, this role will require visible leadership and regular presence with colleagues, the Executive Team and the Board. Our main working space is in Sale, Manchester and we have colleagues based across Greater Manchester. The exact working pattern will be discussed with the successful candidate, but this role will be expected to spend meaningful time on site to build relationships, understand the organisation and lead the team effectively. It is a visible leadership appointment requiring presence, credibility and close engagement across the team and organisation.
About you
You will be a qualified accountant and proven senior finance leader, ideally with experience in social housing or another regulated environment. You will bring credibility, integrity and confidence, with the ability to influence at senior level and turn financial complexity into clear, compelling insight.
We are looking for someone who is motivated by purpose as much as performance. Someone who builds trust, takes ownership, develops strong relationships and is passionate about the difference great finance can make to people’s lives. You will be an inclusive leader who brings people with you, supports colleagues to do their best work and creates the conditions for high standards, positive challenge and continuous improvement.
What we offer
You will join an inclusive, ambitious and purpose-led organisation where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to be themselves. This is a chance to make a visible contribution in a senior role where finance directly shapes resilience, performance and social impact. The role is full-time and permanent, based at IVH Head Office in Sale with hybrid and agile working options. The salary is £84,000 to £90,000 per annum dependant on experience, and we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial wellbeing, health and work-life balance.
Interested?
If you are ready to use your finance leadership to strengthen our future and help deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and communities, we would love to hear from you. Everyone’s welcome here. Our culture is inclusive, and we are committed to increasing diversity. We enable everyone to be themselves at work, so that they feel at home with us. And we trust and support people to do their best, in a role that is fulfilling and rewarding because we know that this helps us to deliver better outcomes for our customers and our colleagues.
If you want to be part of our team and help us make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Finance in St Albans employer: Irwell Valley Homes
As a not-for-profit housing association based in Sale, we pride ourselves on our strong social purpose and commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal growth and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of providing affordable homes and exceptional customer service. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises meaningful relationships and delivers rewarding experiences for both our customers and colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in St Albans
✨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
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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 Irwell Valley Homes. 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 Head of Finance in St Albans
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 Irwell Valley Homes.
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 Irwell Valley Homes'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 Irwell Valley Homes
✨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 Irwell Valley Homes.
✨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 Irwell Valley Homes 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 Irwell Valley Homes 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.
