At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Finance Team, ensuring accurate financial management and reporting.
- Company: Join a growing organisation focused on operational excellence and strategic decision-making.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Office-based role with occasional hybrid working; full or part-time applications welcome.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Head of Finance to lead our Finance Team. Salary £65,000 - £70,000 depending on experience (prorata to hours). We are looking for our new Head of Finance to provide leadership and oversight to the Finance Team. Reporting directly to the Director of Corporate Services and working closely with the Senior Management Team, you will provide clear financial leadership, analysis, and robust financial management to support both operational excellence and strategic decision making.
As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for ensuring the finance department delivers accurate, timely, and meaningful financial information while maintaining strong financial controls and supporting the continued development of the organisation. You will also support the delivery and development of Direct Payments Managed Accounts and Direct Payments Payroll. The role will predominantly be office based, with occasional hybrid working. We welcome both full or part time applications, working either 4 or 5 days per week (.5 hours).
Key Responsibilities- Monthly financial monitoring of the care company and its service within, including any subsidiary companies, reporting spend variances to budget and reasons for why.
- Efficiently manage the day to day operation of the service, providing leadership, development and oversight of the finance team.
- Financial reporting and writing through to attending Southend Care Limited (SCL) Board to present financial information.
- To lead on the financial modelling of further business opportunities and reshaping of existing service provision where required working with the Senior Management Team.
- Lead the coordination and support of the remaining back office finance functions provided by the Council, i.e. VAT returns, transactional bank clear down process, and cash management.
- Responsible for production of the year end accounts and audited (which must be completed by the end of May) to be consolidated in the Council's own group accounts.
- Ensure the delivery of Direct Payment - Managed Accounts in line with the Service Specification.
We're looking for a finance leader who enjoys ownership and developing people and improving wants to play a meaningful role in a growing business. Ideally you will have experience of reporting to Board. Experience or knowledge of either Local Authority Trading Companies or Adult Social Care would be advantageous.
Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant. Experience in a senior finance leadership role. Strong technical accounting knowledge, including preparation of statutory accounts. Experience of financial planning, forecasting, budgeting and business modelling. Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a finance team. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Experience presenting financial information and recommendations to senior leadership teams and Boards.
Head of Finance employer: Southend Care Ltd
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With competitive salaries and flexible working options, including part-time opportunities, we are committed to the professional growth of our team members, providing them with the resources and leadership needed to excel in their roles. Located in Southend, our organisation is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, offering unique advantages such as involvement in local initiatives and the chance to shape the future of adult social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨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 Southend Care Ltd. 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 Finance
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 Southend Care Ltd.
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 Southend Care Ltd'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 Southend Care Ltd
✨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 Southend Care Ltd.
✨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 Southend Care Ltd 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 Southend Care Ltd 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.
