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- Tasks: Lead financial processes and provide insights to drive business success.
- Company: Join Pennon Water Services, a leading water retailer with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA with strong leadership and analytical skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and celebrates uniqueness.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64000 £ per year.
Pennon Water Services, t/a Source for Business is a national business water retailer delivering simple, accurate and timely billing to c. 100,000 customers through great customer service. We are committed to helping our customers lower water use and reducing costs. As employees we thrive in a supportive working environment, developing and continuously learning to ensure we are all working at our best and we’re looking for enthusiastic people to join our growing team and be part of our continued success.
Great new opportunity for a Finance Lead at a salary up to £55,000 per annum. Based in Exeter you will be part of our Pennon Water Services team for an initial 12 month contract.
The role
We’re seeking an ambitious and technically strong Finance Lead to play a key role within the PWS Finance team. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you’ll support core financial processes, ensure integrity in reporting and planning, and provide high-quality financial insight to help drive business success. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional looking to develop in a role with exposure to strategic financial management, regulatory reporting, audit, and business partnering.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and control processes including P&A, balance sheet, cash flow, VAT, and fixed asset accounting
- Manage statutory, regulatory, and group financial reporting, including audit and compliance activities
- Ensure robust financial controls and timely completion of period-end and board reporting
- Collaborate with business managers to develop and monitor budgets, reporting variances to senior leadership
- Maintain internal control standards and policies aligned with Pennon Group
- Provide financial oversight for group subsidiaries and support treasury, tax, and group finance interactions
- Drive process improvements and deliver proactive financial advice across the business
What we’re looking for:
- ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA qualified, ideally with a relevant degree
- Proven post-qualification experience in financial control, preferably within a group or standalone environment
- Strong leadership and team management skills in a busy finance function
- Experienced with integrated financial management systems and advanced MS Office skills
- Excellent analytical, reporting, and communication skills
- Sound judgment with a commercial, solutions-focused mindset
- Knowledge of water retail industry and regulatory frameworks is a plus
- Highly organised, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Strong integrity and a collaborative team player
What’s in it for you:
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. PWS is a subsidiary of Pennon Group, one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
If you’re ready to make a real impact and grow your career in a dynamic finance leadership role, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 27th January 2026
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Finance Lead in Exeter employer: South West Water Limited
Contact Detail:
South West Water Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Lead in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry, especially those who might have insights into Pennon Water Services. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its values. Understand their commitment to customer service and sustainability. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Finance Lead.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past. They want someone who can drive progress and own challenges, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Pennon team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Lead in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Lead role. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that align with what we’re looking for. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the water retail industry if you have it!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial expertise and leadership skills. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the water retail industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive business success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and team management skills. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project, especially in a busy finance function. Highlight how you foster collaboration and support your colleagues.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory frameworks that govern the water retail industry. Being able to discuss compliance and audit processes will show that you're not just technically strong but also aware of the broader context in which the company operates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and commercial mindset. Prepare scenarios where you've had to make tough financial decisions or implement process improvements. This will showcase your analytical skills and solutions-focused approach.
