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
As a key member of the IT leadership team, you ensure financial considerations are proactively managed. You build strong relationships across teams, acting as a trusted finance partner to support decision-making. You lead financial strategies for the Strategic Change program, driving process improvements. Your insights and timely performance reporting help manage budgets, forecasts, and strategic initiatives. You oversee IT financial reporting, including budgets, cash flows, and investment appraisals. Advising on accounting treatments and governance, you ensure compliance with policies. You also provide guidance on financial approvals and support business case development using the direct/indirect benefit framework.
This is a hybrid role based in the Preston office twice per week (Wed & Thurs).

The Essential Criteria for this role is listed below.

• Financial literacy and experience of reporting on projects/programmes.
• Experience of negotiating and influencing at a strategic level,and building relationships and partnerships with stakeholders to enhance business efficiencies.
• Knowledge of Group business areas and structure
• Experience of applying robust governance to project portfolios

More about you
You need strong financial literacy and experience in project/program reporting. Strategic negotiation and relationship-building skills are essential for driving business efficiencies. A solid understanding of Group business areas and governance in project portfolios is required.
Preferred skills include the ability to manage workloads independently, strong collaboration skills, and knowledge of project/program accounting. A full accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is required.
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
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.
We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.
By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities

The Essential Criteria for this role is listed below.

• Financial literacy and experience of reporting on projects/programmes.
• Experience of negotiating and influencing at a strategic level,and building relationships and partnerships with stakeholders to enhance business efficiencies.
• Knowledge of Group business areas and structure
• Experience of applying robust governance to project portfolio

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 mor