Head of Finance

Eastlight Community Homes; Braintree; On-site; GBP 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community housing provider in Braintree seeks a Head of Finance to shape financial strategy and ensure robust governance. Responsibilities include financial reporting, compliance, and managing a high-performing team. Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants with extensive experience in financial control, particularly in the housing sector. Competitive salary of £95,000 and a comprehensive total rewards package offered.

Benefits

Group stakeholder pension plan

33 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Annual wellbeing grant of £200

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial control and reporting in housing or property sectors.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, tax laws, and financial regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and transform finance functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management accounts and annual financial statements.
• Lead external audit processes and ensure compliance.
• Provide financial insight to support strategic decision-making.

Skills

Financial control and reporting

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Tools

Business intelligence tools

Job description

Eastlight’s current agency PSL is at capacity, so we will not be able to consider candidate applications introduced by agencies outside of our selected suppliers.

Eastlight Community Homes is proud to be the largest community gateway social housing provider in the country. Together with our residents and communities, we create safe, affordable homes and neighbourhoods that people are proud to live in.

We are seeking a Head of Finance to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and performance of Eastlight. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to lead a high‑performing team and ensure robust financial governance across the organisation.

As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and accounting standards. You will lead on budgeting and forecasting for a business with a turnover of approximately £110m per year, oversee audit and tax compliance, and drive continuous improvement in finance systems and processes.

Day-to-day, you will:

• Oversee management accounts, annual financial statements, and regulatory returns.
• Lead external audit processes and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Manage taxation matters including VAT and corporation tax.
• Partner with business units to provide financial insight and support strategic decision‑making.
• Drive transformation initiatives to optimise finance systems and processes.
• Oversee insurance, procurement, and risk management activities.
• Lead and develop a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Provide expert financial advice and reporting to the Board, Committees, and Executive Management Team.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in financial control and reporting, within housing or property sectors.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, tax laws, and financial regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and transform finance functions in complex organisations.
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, aligned with Eastlight’s values.

Experience in digital transformation and business intelligence tools is desirable but not essential.

If you are ambitious, open‑minded, and passionate about delivering value for money and driving organisational success, we would love to hear from you.

To demonstrate our commitment to you, we have developed a sector‑leading total rewards package:

• £95,000 annual salary
• Permanent, Full‑Time contract
• Group stakeholder pension plan (Eastlight will double, up to 5% of the employee’s contribution – Employee 5% + Eastlight 10% = Total 15%)
• 33days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Annual wellbeing grant of £200 per annum – Subject to eligibility
• Trailblazing family leave (Maternity, Paternity and Adoption – 12 weeks full pay/6 weeks half pay) – Subject to eligibility
• BHSF healthcare cash plan, life assurance
• Formal qualifications and paid professional membership

At Eastlight we support, develop, and invest in our people, together creating a culture where people love to work. There has never been a better time to join us! Click the link below to submit your CV and personal statement.

Eastlight Community Homes is a disability confident leader and equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse culture, which is why we encourage applications from everyone. If you require any support with the application process, please contact [e-mail]

Eastlight Community Homes are unable to provide Visa Sponsorship.

Closing Date: 30th November 2025 at 23:59

Interview Dates:
First round interviews are expected to be held on 9 December 2025, via Microsoft Teams. Second round interviews will follow on 15 December 2025 in person at Eastlight's Braintree Hub.
We reserve the right to close or withdraw this vacancy earlier than advertised should we receive a sufficient number of applications.