Head of Client Finance

Homes for Students is seeking a Head of Client Finance to oversee the delivery of client finance services for the business. The successful candidate will be based at our Harrogate office, working 40 hours per week, 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. 

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Direct line management of Client Finance Managers.
• Ensuring timely and accurate delivery of monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, cashflow forecasts, and all client reporting requirements in accordance with SLAs.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing, collaborative team of Client Finance Managers and their wider teams, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial focus, with outstanding service delivery, continuous improvement, and client excellence always in sharp focus.
• Management and monitoring of training and coaching, creating and leading a culture of proactive continuous improvement and open feedback.
• Overseeing quality, consistency, and compliance across client reporting packs prior to Director-level escalation.
• Embedding and maintaining robust financial processes and controls.
• Acting as first point of escalation for operational finance matters prior to referral to the Client Finance Director.
• Driving adherence to reporting timetables and content and ensuring accountability for missed deadlines or quality issues.
• Ensuring effective workload planning and resource allocation across the team.
• Maintaining oversight of compliance requirements including Client Money, VAT, and audit readiness.
• Contribute to the business-wide strategy, continuous improvement, and performance optimisation, liaising with other teams and colleagues regularly.
• Deputising for the Client Finance Director where appropriate in operational forums.
• Represent the business as required at internal, sector, or client events.
• Support commercial strategies and margin improvement initiatives across the business.
• Drive consistency and standardisation of processes throughout the department, and wider business, while allowing for flexibility to meet the demands of the diverse client base.
• Use insight internal data, including system data, reporting information, team feedback, and client feedback to drive continuous improvement in departmental effectiveness.
• Drive efficiency and effectiveness through process improvement, automation, and the intelligent use of technology and data.
• Ensure client finance processes are controlled, scalable, and aligned with internal controls and compliance requirements through robust Standard Operating Procedures.
• Act as a role model for the organisation's values, leadership behaviours, and commitments to diversity and inclusion.
• Build trusted relationships with clients by demonstrating strong financial process control, delivery, transparency, and focus on client needs.
• Provide regular, clear, and insightful reporting on client finance departmental performance, progress, and effectiveness to the Client Finance Director.

Key Competencies

• Proven track record in a senior finance role in a B2B client-facing business.

• Proven track record in leading and developing teams at a senior level and extensive people management capability.
• Strong operational discipline with the ability to drive performance and accountability and a proven track record in delivery.
• Excellent knowledge of management accounts production and financial controls.
• Confident presenter and communicator, able to translate complex data into clear client reporting and updates.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to present and communicate confidently and credibly.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and stakeholder demands.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to coach and develop finance professionals.
• High attention to detail and process orientation.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to create structure and clarity within complex reporting environments.
• Ability to proactively manage multiple client relationships simultaneously, balancing their individual requirements with company procedures and standards.
• Highly organised with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Self-motivated and results-driven, with a clear focus on hitting occupancy targets.
• Adaptable and resilient, comfortable operating in a rapidly growing and constantly evolving business.

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or QBE).
• Significant experience in management accounts and financial reporting.
• Demonstrable team leadership experience (multi-manager environment preferred).
• Experience operating within service-led or multi-client environments, ideally PBSA, real estate, block management, residential property, build-to-rent, hospitality, or similar sector.
• Experience working with corporate clients, ideally across a range of business types, including institutional clients.
• Competent and confident user of accountancy software, reporting, and other systems.

What's on offer

• Generous holiday package of 25 days, plus bank holidays, to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Access to a range of exclusive retail discounts to make your money go further.
• Take your special day off! Enjoy your birthday with a well-deserved break from work.
• Stay active and eco-friendly with our cycle-to-work scheme.
• Make a difference in the community with 2 charity days per annum.

At Homes for Students, we believe in equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are proud members of Inclusive Employers, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and communities, and we are open to discussing any reasonable adjustments you may require.

If this sounds like the perfect role for you and you possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience, we would be thrilled to hear from you. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of students!