Sean Kent Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hundred Houses is a registered social housing provider operating in the greater Cambridge area. I was appointed to provide leadership to the Finance, HR, ICT and Business Support functions. As part of the Executive Team to develop and implement the new corporate strategy to improve customer service and value for money. To develop the culture and motivate staff to deliver sustainable social outcomes for tenants. Key achievements to date include improving financial reporting and… Show more Hundred Houses is a registered social housing provider operating in the greater Cambridge area. I was appointed to provide leadership to the Finance, HR, ICT and Business Support functions. As part of the Executive Team to develop and implement the new corporate strategy to improve customer service and value for money. To develop the culture and motivate staff to deliver sustainable social outcomes for tenants. Key achievements to date include improving financial reporting and governance to be removed from regulatory supervision; delivering an improved surplus; embedding Value for Money; retaining Investors in People Silver accreditation during a period of high staff turnover; introducing coaching and management development; and the introduction of a new housing management IT system. Show less

Wisbech, Uk

I was designated to strengthen the Board’s financial expertise and assist in the transition of management. Notably, I helped realise £150k in savings via evaluating working practices and driving efficiencies.

Lowestoft, Suffolk

Appointed via an open process, I was tasked with improving the financial and governance skills of the Board, in addition to supporting the company’s diversification strategy. I was also selected to join the Audit Committee to embed a risk management culture.

King'S Lynn

Freebridge Community Housing is a large-scale voluntary transfer association specialising in purchasing and refurbishing homes, with 200 staff, £30m in turnover and £170m in assets. I advanced to continue directing daily financial operations, in addition to managing Housing, Property and HR Directors to determine effective organisational strategies and mitigate financial risk. I also controlled a £30m budget and supported the Chief Executive on developing corporate strategy and ensuring robust… Show more Freebridge Community Housing is a large-scale voluntary transfer association specialising in purchasing and refurbishing homes, with 200 staff, £30m in turnover and £170m in assets. I advanced to continue directing daily financial operations, in addition to managing Housing, Property and HR Directors to determine effective organisational strategies and mitigate financial risk. I also controlled a £30m budget and supported the Chief Executive on developing corporate strategy and ensuring robust governance. Additionally, I facilitated organisational development, change management and cultural change initiatives whilst leading diversity inclusion efforts.✔ Implemented a coaching culture that was promoted at national conferences.✔ Strengthened risk management by optimising internal controls and developing a new integrated risk management process.✔ Played a pivotal role in mitigating significant financial losses following government changes to rent; partnered with Managers to develop a strategic plan whilst maintaining employee morale and engagement. Show less

King'S Lynn, Norfolk Uk

Initially hired to oversee the organisation’s finances, I was also tasked with establishing financial, legal and IT systems from the ground up as well as transforming the organisation’s culture into a more commercially focussed, proactive environment with empowered staff. My scope of responsibility also encompassed managing a £25m budget and capital spend. ✔ Implemented a risk management framework, including controls and authorisation processes.✔ Improved property development… Show more Initially hired to oversee the organisation’s finances, I was also tasked with establishing financial, legal and IT systems from the ground up as well as transforming the organisation’s culture into a more commercially focussed, proactive environment with empowered staff. My scope of responsibility also encompassed managing a £25m budget and capital spend. ✔ Implemented a risk management framework, including controls and authorisation processes.✔ Improved property development processes by rolling out a new system.✔ Secured and managed £110m in commercial funding to buy housing stock by negotiating one of the most difficult housing stock transfers to Freebridge in 2006; established Finance, ICT and Legal functions following the transfer. Show less

My expertise was vital whilst assisting the Executive Directors of this start-up in establishing an appropriate governance structure, setting up financial and risk management systems and ensuring compliance with key regulatory requirements.

Anglia Housing Group consists of 8 social landlords who manage 11,000+ properties, with £40m in annual turnover and a £30m annual development programme. I was promoted to oversee the Finance function whilst analysing potential mergers to fuel organisational growth. Specifically, I conducted due diligence valuation on 4 potential mergers and negotiated a merger with Circle 33 to form Circle Housing. ✔ Spearheaded a Maintenance division turnaround by discovering a £500k loss and… Show more Anglia Housing Group consists of 8 social landlords who manage 11,000+ properties, with £40m in annual turnover and a £30m annual development programme. I was promoted to oversee the Finance function whilst analysing potential mergers to fuel organisational growth. Specifically, I conducted due diligence valuation on 4 potential mergers and negotiated a merger with Circle 33 to form Circle Housing. ✔ Spearheaded a Maintenance division turnaround by discovering a £500k loss and assembling a rescue package with a commercial Funder and the Regulator.✔ Diminished financial risk by establishing a risk management framework.✔ Developed the first funding structure for charitable and non-charitable entities. ✔ Reduced costs of an 80-vehicle fleet by 10% through re-structuring a contract. Show less

As Head of Finance, I built and supervised a 12-member team whilst overseeing and strengthening the organisation’s finances. I also revised the financial planning model, introduced standard payment terms and enhanced payroll by implementing a new system.✔ Improved management accounting by revamping processes and introducing better reporting.✔ Streamlined payment processes by transitioning from manual to electronic procedures.✔ Optimised Finance’s influence throughout the… Show more As Head of Finance, I built and supervised a 12-member team whilst overseeing and strengthening the organisation’s finances. I also revised the financial planning model, introduced standard payment terms and enhanced payroll by implementing a new system.✔ Improved management accounting by revamping processes and introducing better reporting.✔ Streamlined payment processes by transitioning from manual to electronic procedures.✔ Optimised Finance’s influence throughout the organisation by embedding a business partner approach within the division. Show less

Mba, Business Adminstration

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Merit