Financial Controller (Head of Finance)

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Job Introduction

Financial Controller (Head of Finance)

Location: David Lewis, Cheshire. SK9 7UD
Reports to: Director of Finance & Estates
Contract: Permanent | Senior Leadership Role

Salary: £76,500

Lead Finance. Shape Strategy. Make a Difference.

David Lewis is a leading specialist charity supporting people with complex learning disabilities, autism, and epilepsy to live fulfilling lives. We are now seeking an experienced and values driven Financial Controller (Head of Finance) to play a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our organisation.

Once settled in post this role is open to hybrid working options.

This is a senior, hands on leadership role for a qualified finance professional who thrives in complex environments and wants their expertise to deliver real social impact.

The Role

As Financial Controller (Head of Finance), you will lead the organisation's finance and payroll functions, delivering robust financial control, insightful management information, and strategic financial leadership. Working closely with the Director of Finance & Estates and the Executive Team, you will ensure strong governance, effective risk management, and the identification of commercial opportunities that support our mission.

You will be instrumental in ensuring the organisation is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well led.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Finance

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic and operational financial plans
• Produce accurate and timely statutory accounts, budgets, forecasts, and management reports
• Support long-term financial planning and sustainability modelling

Risk, Governance & Control

• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and risk management frameworks
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and professional standards
• Lead continuous improvement and best practice across the finance function

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing finance team
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and budget holders
• Build strong relationships with auditors, banks, insurers, and professional advisers

Commercial & Funding Oversight

• Identify and evaluate commercial and efficiency opportunities
• Ensure services are adequately funded and fee uplifts are secured
• Oversee cash flow, reserves, investment, and borrowing arrangements

About You

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role
• Strong, hands-on experience of financial and management accounting
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills

Desirable

• Experience in the charity, care, healthcare, education or public sector
• Understanding of complex funding streams and commissioning environments
• Broad business or operational management experience

You will bring integrity, strategic insight, sound judgement, and the ability to balance commercial rigour with compassion and purpose.

Why Join David Lewis?

• A senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence
• Opportunity to use your financial expertise to support vulnerable people
• Collaborative, values-driven organisational culture
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement

Safeguarding Commitment

David Lewis is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, robust referencing, and safer recruitment practices.

Ready to lead finance with purpose?
Join us and help shape a sustainable future for a truly impactful organisation.

Attached documents:

• JD - Financial Controller - November 2025.docx