Peabody Trust Finance Director

The Finance Director of Peabody Trust holds a crucial leadership position, responsible for the overall financial health and sustainability of one of London's largest housing associations. This role extends far beyond simply managing balance sheets; it encompasses strategic financial planning, risk management, regulatory compliance, and ensuring value for money across Peabody's diverse operations.

A key responsibility lies in developing and implementing Peabody's financial strategy, aligning it with the organization's social mission of providing affordable homes and creating thriving communities. This requires a deep understanding of the housing sector, government policy, and the wider economic environment. The Finance Director must be adept at forecasting future financial needs, securing funding through various channels (including debt financing and grant applications), and managing investments to maximize returns while mitigating risks.

Effective financial management is essential for Peabody to deliver its ambitious development pipeline, which involves building thousands of new homes across London and the South East. The Finance Director plays a pivotal role in appraising potential development projects, ensuring their financial viability, and securing the necessary funding. This involves careful analysis of costs, revenues, and risks, as well as close collaboration with the development team and external stakeholders.

Beyond development, the Finance Director is responsible for the financial oversight of Peabody's existing housing stock and support services. This includes managing rental income, controlling operating costs, and ensuring efficient allocation of resources across the organization. The role also involves implementing robust financial controls and procedures to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.

Given the complex regulatory environment in which housing associations operate, compliance is a critical aspect of the Finance Director's role. This includes adhering to accounting standards, tax regulations, and reporting requirements set by the Regulator of Social Housing. The Finance Director must also stay abreast of changes in legislation and ensure that Peabody's financial practices are in line with best practice.

Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this role. The Finance Director must be able to effectively communicate financial information to the board, senior management team, and other stakeholders, including residents. They also lead a team of finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities. A collaborative approach is vital, fostering strong working relationships across all departments and promoting a culture of financial responsibility throughout the organization.

Ultimately, the Peabody Trust Finance Director plays a vital role in enabling the organization to achieve its social purpose. By ensuring sound financial management and strategic financial planning, they contribute to Peabody's ability to provide affordable homes, support communities, and improve the lives of thousands of people.