Commercial Finance Manager

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. That’s 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’re dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.

More about your role

In this role, you’ll partner with senior leadership and operational teams to ensure financial implications of decisions are understood and contribute to strategic planning and initiatives. You’ll provide financial insight and expert advice in key meetings, lead the annual business planning process, and challenge business decisions to drive improved financial performance. You’ll also conduct thorough performance reviews of assets, collaborate with the Investments team to benchmark asset performance, and work with senior stakeholders to define long-term investment strategies. Additionally, you’ll lead and develop the finance team, improve systems and processes, and drive data and system development for better decision-making. Finally, you’ll manage reporting and analysis to translate complex data into actionable insights, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely financial information. This is a remote role with occasional travel to various Places for People offices, typically a few times per month.

The Essential Criteria for this role is listed below.

• Advanced Excel user (including VBA); expertise in financial modelling, discounted cash flows, and large data reconciliations.
• Proven ability to convey complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders effectively.
• Strong background in management accounting, business partnering, and control improvement.

More about you

You’ll need innovative problem-solving skills, particularly in process and reporting enhancements, along with advanced Excel expertise (including VBA) for financial modeling, discounted cash flows, and large data reconciliations. The ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders is key, as well as a strong background in management accounting, business partnering, and control improvement.

Preferred qualifications include knowledge of taxation (VAT, stamp duty, property taxes), experience in real estate or social housing, and familiarity with financial software like Power BI. A professional accountancy qualification (CCAB or CFA equivalent) is essential, or exceptional experience may be considered.

The benefits

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for. We know that there’s always more we can do to make you smile, that’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) 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

What’s next? If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then click apply. You will be redirected to our careers site where you can discover more about the role, read a full job description and apply directly to us. If you are a Places for People customer and you’re looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls. 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.