At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring financial robustness and supporting business growth in adult social care.
- Company: Values-led adult social care provider with a focus on high-quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team and shape the financial strategy of a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Recognised accountancy qualification and significant experience in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
Pioneer Talent is proud to be partnering with a values-led, growing adult social care provider to recruit a Head of Finance to join their Senior Leadership Team. Working closely with the CEO, Managing Director and operational leaders, you'll provide the strategic and operational leadership of the finance function — ensuring the business remains financially robust, commercially focused and well governed.
This is a hands-on leadership role that combines financial strategy with day-to-day financial management, playing a key part in supporting business growth, acquisitions, service development and investment decisions, all while enabling the delivery of high-quality care.
The role as Head of Finance includes:
- Developing and delivering the finance strategy, aligned to corporate objectives and long-term business plans
- Providing strategic financial advice to the CEO, Managing Director, Board and Senior Leadership Team
- Leading budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, cash flow and performance reporting
- Leading financial modelling and scenario planning to support growth, investment and service development
- Leading the financial appraisal, modelling and due diligence of acquisitions and new services, and supporting post-acquisition integration
- Developing the annual fee-uplift strategy, using analysis and benchmarking to support negotiations with local authorities, NHS commissioners and other funding bodies
- Maintaining robust financial controls, governance and compliance, and leading the statutory accounts and external audit process
- Overseeing tax, VAT, payroll, treasury, cash flow and banking arrangements
- Providing financial oversight of local authority and NHS/ICB contracts, private income and commissioned services — monitoring occupancy, staffing costs, agency spend and profitability
- Leading, developing and motivating the finance team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture
- Leading financial risk management and contributing to the corporate risk register and business continuity planning
About you: Pioneer Talent is keen to speak with senior finance leaders who bring:
- A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA), with evidence of continuing professional development
- Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within adult social care, healthcare or another regulated sector
- A strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting and financial control
- Experience managing external audit and regulatory compliance
- Experience reporting to Boards or Trustees and presenting strategic financial information
- Strong financial modelling, business planning and commercial decision-support skills
- Experience supporting acquisitions, organisational growth or major business change
- Experience leading and developing finance teams
- Commercial acumen and the ability to translate financial information into clear business recommendations
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills
Desirable: knowledge of CQC regulation and social care funding; acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition integration; experience within a private equity-backed or high-growth organisation.
Head of Finance in Colchester employer: Pioneer Talent
Join a small, values-led provider in Bicester as a Children's Home Manager, where you will have the unique opportunity to build and shape a new home dedicated to children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. With a strong emphasis on therapeutic practice and a supportive team environment, this role offers competitive remuneration and the chance for meaningful impact in the lives of children. The organisation prioritises employee growth and fosters a culture of kindness and collaboration, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Colchester
✨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 Pioneer Talent. 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 Colchester
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 Pioneer Talent.
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 Pioneer Talent'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 Pioneer Talent
✨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 Pioneer Talent.
✨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 Pioneer Talent 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 Pioneer Talent 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.
