At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More about your role
You'll play a key role in supporting the organisations social housing operations managing financial reporting and strategic financial planning in addition to supporting the planned investment programme and compliance. The role will focus on key areas to drive improvement by standardising and creating efficiencies in financial and compliance reporting. You'll analyse financial and operational performance, identifying areas of underperformance and opportunities to drive improvement. Working closely with operational and finance teams across the business, you'll develop meaningful KPI reporting, management & operational accounts, and forecasts that bring clarity to performance and future expectations.
You'll also support strategic decision-making including maintaining rolling forecasts, preparing monthly management accounts, reporting on risks, opportunities, cash flow and contributing to business planning. As part of a collaborative finance team, you'll engage with stakeholders across the business and may also support and develop junior colleagues.
This is an initial 6 month fixed term contract based in Preston 2-3 days a week.
For more information download a copy of the job description.
Essential criteria
- Professional accountancy qualification (or part-qualified / equivalent experience)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse and interpret complex financial data
- Experience preparing management accounts, including journal postings, balance sheet reconciliations and variance analysis
- Experience contributing to financial forecasts and business planning processes
- Experience using financial insight to identify performance and process improvements or cost control opportunities
More about you
You're a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys turning data into insight that drives better decisions. You're confident working with stakeholders across different teams, helping them understand financial performance and influencing outcomes. You take a proactive and solutions-focused approach, always looking for ways to improve processes, financial reporting and results.
You're comfortable working with large data sets, building financial processes, models, business plans, forecasts, and balancing attention to detail with a broader strategic view. Ideally, you've worked in a business partnering environment and have experience supporting operational teams to improve financial performance and efficiency.
At Places for People we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.
Benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:
- Competitive salary with regular annual review
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
- Bonus scheme for colleagues at 2%
- 35 days holiday (including bank holiday) with option to buy or sell days
- Healthcare cashback plan for everyday medical costs - up to £500 savings per year
- Access to wellbeing support such as counselling and flu jabs
- Private GP and health support services available
- Access to a rewards platform with retail and lifestyle discounts
- Savings on groceries, travel, shopping and home products
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to professional qualifications and career progression
- Internal development programmes and learning support
- Recognition schemes such as Star Awards and Colleagues Awards
- Strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and colleague engagement
- Free membership to Places Gyms
