Head of Financial Accounts

Places for People; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A social housing organization is seeking a financial accounting manager to lead their financial reporting team. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance, managing audits, and supporting financial reporting for various initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a recognized accountancy qualification and extensive experience managing finance teams. Excellent benefits include a competitive salary, pension contributions, and a comprehensive holiday package.

Benefits

Competitive salary with yearly review

Pension with matched contributions up to 7%

Company car or car allowance

Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave

Cashback plan for healthcare costs

Bonus scheme for all colleagues at 10%

Training and development

Discounts and offers from shops and cinemas

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering audited financial statements on time to regulatory standards.
• Success leading teams through initiatives achieving measurable process efficiencies and cost savings.
• Experience managing and developing a finance team in a large organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial accounting and reporting team.
• Ensure processes and controls are documented and followed.
• Manage year-end audit and financial reporting.

Skills

Financial statement delivery

Team leadership through change

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Team management skills

IT knowledge

Education

Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Business World

Job description

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces are offered a guaranteed interview if they meet the essential criteria.

Responsibilities

Lead the financial accounting and reporting team, ensuring processes and controls are documented, updated, and followed. Maintain current accounting policies, provide technical advice, and deliver accurate, timely financial statements and reports. Manage year‑end audit, comply with the financial control framework, and drive improvements through automation and better planning. Support ad hoc financial reporting for business initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering audited financial statements on time to regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through change initiatives that achieved measurable process efficiencies, improved controls, or delivered cost savings.
• Extensive experience managing and developing a finance team in a large, complex organisation, with evidence of achieving team performance goals.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong capability across other Microsoft Office applications, demonstrated through practical examples or certifications.
• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong team management skills, excellent IT knowledge—especially Excel—and the ability to build relationships across all levels.
• Experience with Business World, consolidating complex entities, and working in social housing or a regulated industry is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with yearly review.
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with option to buy or sell leave.
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year.
• Bonus scheme for all colleagues at 10%.
• Training and development.
• Extra perks, including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.