At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and support exceptional community services at Southdown.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit leader in care and housing services in Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 27 days holiday.
- Other info: Receive ongoing training and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while advancing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting certification and 3-5 years of financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 57530 - 57530 £ per year.
Location: Lewes (hybrid)
Salary: £57,530 per annum
Hours: 37 per week
What you’ll be doing:
Southdown is a Sussex based not-for-profit specialist provider of care, support and housing services. Our mission is ‘to provide exceptional community support services which enable people to live well’. We achieve this through the delivery of specialist, person-centred support:
- 24-hour care & support
- Mental and physical wellbeing
- Peer support
- Homelessness prevention
- Learning & employment
- Social landlord
With a turnover of £33m, we support 11,000 clients and tenants each year, employing 850 colleagues. We’re looking for a professionally qualified accountant with experience in managing core finance functions, financial analysis and planning, to manage a team supporting Southdown’s operational divisions to deliver excellent services and achieve strategic objectives.
The role of Head of Financial Control (known internally as Manager, Financial Control) reports to the Chief Financial Officer, acts as subject matter expert on financial accounting and manages four direct reports. It is a member of the Southdown Leadership Management Team, responsible for a £400k annual budget.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 27 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Knowledge, skills and experience:
What you’ll need for the role:
Knowledge of:
- Accountancy software and tools.
- Financial statements, reporting standards and disclosure requirements.
- Banking and audit processes and risk assessment.
- Tax laws and regulations.
- Analysis of costs, budgets and performance metrics.
Experience in:
- Financial function management (min. 3-5 years).
- Financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Financial and management accounting practices.
Qualifications:
- Professional Accounting Certification (ACCA, ACA or CIMA).
What would be nice:
- Experience in the non-profit health and social care sector.
- Experience in the housing or property sector.
Training:
You’ll receive an initial induction, followed by regular in person training and supervisions to invest in your development and provide all the tools needed to succeed in this role. We’ll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form. The application closing date is Sunday 18 October. Interviews will be held by arrangement. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Head of Financial Control in Lewes employer: Southdown Careers
Southdown is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Lewes, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With a strong focus on employee growth, our award-winning in-house training team provides opportunities for professional development, while our comprehensive benefits package, including health cost cash-back schemes and interest-free loans, ensures that your well-being is prioritised. Join us and be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and strives to create a positive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Control in Lewes
✨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 Southdown Careers. 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 Financial Control in Lewes
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 Southdown Careers.
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 Southdown Careers'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 Southdown Careers
✨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 Southdown Careers.
✨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 Southdown Careers 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 Southdown Careers 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.
