Strategic Financial Controller for Growth & Impact in Care in Whickham

This is a rare opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation that is growing fast, in a financial leadership role that directly supports the delivery of high-quality care. As Financial Controller, you will take ownership of the finance function, ensuring strong financial foundations while also contributing to the strategic direction of the business. Your work will enable sustainable growth, support operational decision-making, and ensure that resources are used in a way that maximises impact for the people they support. This role combines hands-on financial management with strategic influence, making it ideal for someone who wants to be both technically excellent and commercially involved. There is also the opportunity to get involved in the new projects that are in the pipeline.

Financial Control & Reporting

• Full ownership of the monthly close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
• Preparation and presentation of monthly management accounts, including insightful variance analysis and commentary for Board reporting
• Development and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) to support strategic decision-making
• Maintenance of a robust control environment, including oversight of all transactional postings (sales, purchase ledger, payroll, banking, and credit cards)
• Ownership of balance sheet integrity, including monthly reconciliations across all key accounts

Cashflow & Budgeting

• Lead cashflow management, including preparation of rolling forecasts and long-term cash planning
• Ownership and ongoing development of annual budgets and periodic reforecasts
• Proactive monitoring of working capital and liquidity to support business growth

Payroll & Operational Oversight

• Oversight of the end-to-end payroll process (circa 65 employees), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery
• Review of payroll inputs including starters, leavers, statutory payments, and variable pay elements
• Management of payment processes, including BACS runs and controls

Commercial & Strategic Support

• Business partnering with senior stakeholders to support pricing decisions, contract negotiations, and commercial initiatives
• Review and set-up of financial terms for new client contracts, including invoicing structures and cash collection schedules
• Ownership of contract pricing models and contribution analysis
• Support regulatory and operational initiatives (CQC compliance and local authority engagements)
• Seek out ways of incorporating IT innovations to make the accounting and management more efficient and effective

External Relationships & Governance

• Primary point of contact for external stakeholders including bankers, auditors, accountants, and insurers
• Lead year-end process, including preparation of statutory accounts and coordination with external advisors
• Oversight of statutory compliance

Cost Management & Procurement

• Lead negotiation and ongoing management of key supplier contracts (IT, telecoms, software, and other overheads)
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives across the business while maintaining service quality
• Ensure alignment of incentive structures with business performance and financial objectives

Experience & Knowledge

• CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified ideally although consideration will be given to anyone who can demonstrate a highly relevant practical experience at this level.
• Previously operated as a Financial Controller/Finance Manager or within a senior finance role.
• Management of a full finance function preferably within an SME environment.
• Strong understanding of management accounting, budgeting and forecasting, cashflow management, and payroll experience or oversight of payroll processes.

Desirable

• Experience in healthcare, social care, or regulated sectors
• Understanding of local authority funding models and contracts

Skills & Approach

• Commercially aware, able to connect financial performance to operational outcomes
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, evolving environment

Personal Qualities

• Values-led, with an appreciation for person-centred care and its importance
• Collaborative and approachable, able to build trust across the organisation
• Proactive and solution-focused

Why Join Shine Care?

Shine Care was built in response to a clear need for better, more compassionate services. Joining Shine Care means being part of an organisation that exists to do things differently, to listen, to empower, and to provide care that genuinely improves lives. As Financial Controller, your role will be central to ensuring that this mission is not only sustained but strengthened as the organisation grows, playing a key role in building and growing the organisation as it continues to expand.