Head of Financial Accounts in Preston

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

You’ll lead the financial accounting and reporting team, making sure processes and controls are documented, updated, and followed. You’ll keep accounting policies current, provide technical advice, and ensure accurate, timely financial statements and reports. You’ll manage the year-end audit, maintain compliance with the financial control framework, and drive improvements through automation and better planning. You’ll also support ad hoc financial reporting for business initiatives.

Essential Criteria

• Proven track record of delivering financial accounting and reporting, including producing audited financial statements on time and to regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams through change initiatives that achieved measurable process efficiencies, improved controls, or delivered cost savings.
• Extensive experience managing and developing a finance team in a large/complex organisation, with evidence of achieving team performance goals.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong capability across other Microsoft Office applications, demonstrated through practical examples or certifications.
• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

More about you

You’ll need experience leading financial accounting and reporting, including producing audited statements, and a proven ability to drive change that improves processes and controls. Strong team management skills, excellent IT knowledge—especially Excel—and the ability to build relationships across all levels are essential. You should be confident managing competing priorities and deadlines. Ideally, you’ll also have experience with Business World, consolidating complex entities, and working in social housing or a regulated industry. A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or similar) is required.

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%.
• Company Car/Car Allowance.
• 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 10%.
• 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. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and accessible recruitment process for all. 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’re happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.

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.

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.