Job Description

Who we are

Aves Care Group provide a range of services that include Care Homes, and Supported Living across the Southwest. We are an award-winning provider of complex care and we are driven by a philosophy that every individual with an intellectual disability, autism and mental health need should receive an outstanding ethical service. Our vision is to promote community inclusion, reduce hospital admission and focus on mental and physical wellbeing and growth for all individuals who use our services.

We currently have a number of companies within our group - Community Therapeutic services, Chase Lodge, Aves Contract Services, Jasper Personnel and South-West Property Choices as part of our growing portfolio.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and strategic individual to join our team.

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of Aves Care group and successfully implement the business plan and strategic aims for all the companies within the group.

This position involves being able to lead, motivate, develop, and inspire the Finance Team in the effective delivery of high-quality financial support services within a customer focussed, group environment. They will report directly to the main stakeholders within the business.

The desired candidate will have significant experience in a senior finance role, preferably within the social-care or healthcare sector.

You will be responsible for ensuring that budgets, financial statements, management accounts and long-term business plans are produced within prescribed timescales and formats and reflect the corporate objectives of the business. You will also lead the development of a financial strategy including business planning, growth, treasure management activities, risk management, VAT compliance, and taxation.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for making links and negotiating packages of care and support with outside agencies and stakeholders.

If you are the right person for the role, you will be joining a forward-thinking business and to make a real difference.

Please read our Recruitment pack below for more information on this key role.

Key Deliverables*:

Advise the Board and Senior Leadership on financial planning, and investment opportunities Support the Board of Directors in making strategic decisions by understanding and outlining the financial impact of these decisions Play a key role in financial planning, forecasting and strategy of the group Developing and implementing robust finance processes and systems to ensure finance processes are running efficiently Support and where required lead on, commercial contract negotiations with both our customers and suppliers Deliver accurate and timely financial reports to both internal and external stakeholders Ensure compliance with UK financial regulations, including VAT and Corporation tax. Champion the adoption of tools, systems and technologies that result in efficiencies and financial control in the business Embed a culture of continuous improvement, learning, honesty and openness Establishing strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Home Managers and other Senior Leadership Members Establishing strong relationships with external stakeholders including Local Authorities, Health Boards, Suppliers and Banks Understanding the home and groups' strategic goals and effectively supporting the operational teams in achieving these
*This is not an exhaustive list

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement the financial strategy to support Aves Group goals and objectives. Manage cash flow, funding, and financial risk, ensuring operational resilience. Lead cost reduction initiatives and identify opportunities for financial efficiencies. Regular reporting and forecasting of financial performance to the Board, offering insights and recommendations. Support external audits and liaise with auditors as required. Manage and develop the finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. Be able to advise and prepare information for directors on staff pay and impact on business. Liaise with external agencies regarding costs and packages of care and be able to negotiate these for existing and new packages of care and support. Ensure the business is compliant with frameworks in order to increase number of referrals.

The Right Fit

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic, and credible senior finance professional with a broad and in-depth knowledge across all areas of Finance. You will be a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body with significant experience (preferably 5+ years) and a thorough understanding of financial regulations, with a background in the Care/Health Sector. You will be expected to maintain strict control over invoicing, debtor collection, accounts payable activities, and cash resource management. A robust knowledge of budgets and integrated systems for full financial cost Control. Capability of producing a cost module to capture all costs related to a labour-based product. Experience with financial systems, accounting processes, and controls. Significant experience in senior finance leadership roles, ideally within healthcare, public, or not-for-profit sector. Passion or desire to work in the social care or health care sector Strong IT Skills Experience in leading and managing change within teams Experience of working with systems implementation projects Ability to prioritise effectively Prepare the year-end statutory accounts in accordance with accounting standards. Ensure that all statutory and regulatory returns are completed and submitted on time. Maintain accountability for the control and integrity of the organisation's financial information, processes, and accounting systems. Ability to manage financial risk, ensure operational resilience, and drive cost efficiencies.

What is expected

As an inspirational leader, you will possess well-developed interpersonal and communication skills to motivate your team and influence colleagues. You will also have demonstrable experience of reporting to and presenting at Executive and Board level. You will have the skills and personal attributes required to deliver a commercial, customer focussed service to the business and will also be committed to the social aims and ambitions of our organisation. Your strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills will allow you to explain complex financial information to various audiences and help them understand the impact on the wider business. You will build strong relationships with stakeholders and be fully aware of legal framework and developments within the field of health and care relating to the business. You will also possess a solid understanding of financial management, compliance, and governance, along with the ability to lead and develop a team. Strong understanding of NHS financial structures, commissioning, and primary care funding. Demonstratable experience in preparing budges, financial forecasts, and compliance with UK financial regulations (including VAT and Corporation Tax). An understanding of and adherence to the company ethos.

What we offer

You would be joining a dedicated and passionate team of individuals.

We can offer you a working environment where you can enjoy flexibility, develop yourself and where you can really make a difference to people's lives.

We also offer a fantastic reward and benefits package which, amongst other things includes:

A range of flexible working options 30 days paid annual leave each year (rising one day per year up to a maximum of 35 days after five years) in addition to 8 bank holidays. Company sick pay Pension scheme Free parking on site Health insurance benefit
As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome job application from people of all backgrounds.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

Experience:

Senior Management: 5 years (preferred)

Health / Social Care Sector: 2 years (preferred)

Finance Team Line Management: 5 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

Accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, ACMA etc (essential)

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Next Steps

We welcome you to apply now with a copy of your CV and short covering letter detailing why you think you would be a good fit for this position.

Our HR team will review your application and will be in touch shortly.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 70,000.00-80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free or subsidised travel Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Private medical insurance Referral programme Sick pay Store discount
Experience:

Finance Team management: 5 years (preferred) Health/Social Care sector: 2 years (preferred) Senior Management: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA,ACMA) (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person