Commercial Financial Controller in Leeds

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply – you could be just who we’re looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we’re more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises: someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK’s leading social enterprise we are dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving communities for both our customers and employees.

More About The Team

Commercial Office Finance Team are a core part of Group Support Services. They are now looking to recruit a Commercial Financial Controller on a Permanent basis.

More About The Role

Reporting to the Finance Director for Commercial Ventures and working closely with the Head of Finance at Derwent FM, you will lead a small Leeds‑based team as Commercial Financial Controller.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll work with the team to develop and oversee financial controls, processes and systems that support the smooth delivery of financial reporting. Where these processes and systems intersect with our operational teams, you’ll collaborate closely to ensure efficient and seamless operational delivery.

You’ll be responsible for leading, coaching and developing a team of five, embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Working alongside the Finance Director, you’ll also play a strategic role in shaping cross‑cutting reporting and governance across other commercial businesses in the Group.

At Places for People, we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.

More About You

You’re a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a strong track record in senior finance roles. You’re not just technically sound – you’re a builder of teams, systems and processes. You thrive in environments where you can make things better, faster and smarter.

You’re confident working with data and technology and ideally have experience with VBA and/or Python to help automate and streamline reporting. You’re commercially minded, proactive, comfortable influencing across teams and as committed to the growth of the business as you are to your own development and that of your team.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience leading and developing high performing finance teams
• Experience embedding new systems and automating processes reliant on complex, large‑ volume data sets typical of FM environments (VBA and/or Python preferred).
• A proactive,commercially aware mindset with the ability to influence and challenge constructively
• Strong technical accounting skills, including auditpreparation and balance sheet control
• A successful track record asFinancial Controller or equivalent senior role
• Aprofessional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA)

Benefits

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm, abuse and neglect. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre‑employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.

Armed Forces

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Places for People will guarantee an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, as a reservist, armed forces veteran (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructor and military spouse/partner and who meets the essential criteria for the vacancy.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This helps us to successfully employ and retain people with disabilities and health conditions. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for NI) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.

Neurodivergent

Neurodiverse individuals have highly valuable skills, and we recognise that a traditional interview process sometimes works against them and doesn’t allow them to self‑advocate. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.