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 don't discriminate based on any protected attribute. In fact, 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 are responsible for driving delivery within the Finance Function, ensuring timely and accurate reporting while overseeing key controls and risks. Additionally, you support the Head of Financial Accounts by identifying gaps in accounting policies and controls, developing new ones, and ensuring their implementation. You ensure reliable compliance reporting within the financial control framework, including deploying principles across the group and conducting regular risk register reviews. Your role involves objectively reviewing balance sheet accounts and reconciliations, resolving issues with senior finance colleagues, and providing necessary training and support. You also take ownership of balance sheet account reconciliation within Group Finance and oversee the preparation of financial statements. Championing a culture of continuous process and control improvement is crucial, including activities like process automation and cost reduction identification. Lastly, you provide ad hoc financial reporting support for business initiatives and projects.

This role will be based from our Preston, Lancashire office on a hybrid basis. 

For more information please download our job profile available on our website.

More about you

You should have a wealth of experience in financial accounting and reporting, with a deep understanding of balance sheet issues and a track record of implementing effective controls. Your technical accounting skills should be top-notch, allowing you to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Flexibility and practicality are key traits, as you'll need strong problem-solving and analytical skills to navigate complex issues. Building and maintaining relationships across all levels of the organization is crucial, so excellent communication skills are a must. You should be a wizard with Microsoft Excel and other IT tools. Lastly, you must excel at managing conflicting deadlines and juggling multiple tasks, ensuring everything gets done on time.

If all of this sounds like you then we urge you to make an application with us today!

The 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 a salary review yearly 
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

What's next?

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team recruitment@placesforpeople.co.uk 

If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.

Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.

If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls