Head of Finance

Business Growth and Acquisitions

• Support the business in evaluating and delivering strategic growth opportunities.
• Lead the financial appraisal, modelling and due diligence of acquisitions, mergers and new services.
• Work with external advisers throughout acquisition processes.
• Support post-acquisition integration, ensuring effective financial controls, reporting and performance monitoring.

Financial Control and Compliance

• Maintain effective financial controls, policies and governance arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, accounting standards and regulatory obligations.
• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and manage the external audit process.
• Oversee tax, VAT, payroll and statutory reporting requirements.
• Provide financial oversight of local authority and NHS/ICB contracts, private income and commissioned services.
• Monitor occupancy, staffing costs, agency spend and service profitability.
• Support fee negotiations through financial analysis and benchmarking.
• Work closely with operational leaders to improve financial performance while maintaining safe, person-centred care.

Treasury and Commercial Management

• Oversee cash flow, working capital and banking arrangements.
• Manage relationships with auditors, lenders, insurers and professional advisers.
• Review commercial contracts, procurement activity and financial risk.
• Ensure effective debtor management and income collection.

Systems and Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development of finance systems, reporting and internal processes.
• Promote automation and technology to improve efficiency and reporting capability.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, timely and supports operational decision-making.

Leadership

• Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Support professional development, succession planning and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships across Calm Futures, promoting commercial awareness and financial accountability.

Risk Management

• Lead financial risk management and contribute to the corporate risk register and business continuity planning.
• Monitor financial risks associated with growth, acquisitions and service delivery.
• Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements are maintained.

General Responsibilities

• Uphold Calm Futures values and commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in finance, governance and adult social care.
• Represent the organisation professionally with commissioners, regulators and external partners.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the seniority of the role.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.
• Adult social care, healthcare or another regulated sector.
• Experience reporting to Boards or Trustees and presenting strategic financial information.
• Strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting and financial control.
• Experience managing external audit and regulatory compliance.
• Financial modelling, business planning and commercial decision support.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, organisational growth or major business change.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of CQC regulation and social care funding.
• Acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
• Experience within a private equity-backed or high-growth organisation.

Skills and Attributes

• Commercially astute with strong strategic thinking.
• Excellent financial analysis and modelling skills.
• Able to translate financial information into clear business recommendations.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Organised, resilient and able to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.
• Collaborative leader with integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous improvement.