Finance Lead

South West Water; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A national water retailer is seeking a Finance Lead to support financial processes, reporting, and strategic insight. Based in Exeter, this role requires strong leadership and analytical skills, along with ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA qualifications. You will manage financial reporting, ensure compliance, and provide financial advice to drive business growth. The initial contract is for 12 months with a salary of up to £55,000 per annum, offering generous holiday allowance and various benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Discretionary Bonus

Competitive Contributory Pension

Share-save Scheme

Health benefits

Wellbeing support programmes

Group Discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Financial support services

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional with post-qualification experience.
• Experience in financial control within a group or standalone environment.
• Strong integrity and collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

• Support financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and control processes.
• Manage statutory, regulatory, and group financial reporting activities.
• Drive process improvements and deliver proactive financial advice.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial management systems

Commercial mindset

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA qualified

Relevant degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Pennon Water Services t / a Source for Business is a national business water retailer delivering simple accurate and timely billing to c. 100000 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 were 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 55000 per annum. Based in Exeter you will be part of our Pennon Water Services team for an initial 12 month contract.

The role

Were seeking an ambitious and technically strong Finance Lead to play a key role within the PWS Finance team. Reporting to the Financial Controller youll 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 youll be doing

• Support financial reporting budgeting forecasting and control processes including P&L 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 were 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 judgement 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

Whats 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 longterm 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.
• 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 youre ready to make a real impact and grow your career in a dynamic finance leadership role wed love to hear from you.

Closing Date : 4th November 2025

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 everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

Key Skills

Administrative Skills, Facilities Management, Biotechnology, Creative Production, Design And Estimation, Architecture

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1