Deputy Head of Finance: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

The post holder will be responsible for the preparation of monthly management accounts, undertaking variance analysis and trend analysis as appropriate and preparing financial forecasts in conjunction with operational managers.

The post holder reports to the Head of Finance and is responsible for the provision of financial advice and support to Divisional Managers, Clinical Directors and Budget Holders.

The post holder will assist in the preparation of annual budgets during the budget setting process for designated areas of responsibility and present this information to the Head of Finance and the Head of Financial Management. The post holder will support the planning process and contribute to the efficient and flexible management of resources.

The post holder will deputise for the Head of Finance as required.

Key outputs from the job include: sound and effective working relationships with Budget Holders; agreed annual budgets; regular, timely and accurate formal budget reporting; accurate financial forecasting and assistance in provision of finance training for non-finance staff.

Main duties of the job

Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance and trend analysis.

Work closely with Divisional Managers, Clinical Directors and Budget Holders to provide expert financial advice.

Support annual budget-setting processes, preparing financial forecasts and presenting accurate, timely information to senior finance colleagues.

Build strong working relationships across divisions, ensuring clear, consistent financial reporting and governance.

Deputise for the Head of Finance when required, representing the Finance Directorate at meetings and supporting leadership activity.

Contribute to the delivery and monitoring of cost improvement plans (CIPs).

Ensure the integrity of financial data, support the development of financial systems, and promote good financial control across the Trust.

Provide training and support to non-finance staff to improve financial understanding and compliance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• CCAB qualification – Part Qualified or significant relevant experience in a financial management role in a provider NHS organisation, including experience in the financial elements of business planning and review of plans at Divisional level (including collation and review of trust wide budget packs prior to distribution).
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Educated to degree level.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrate the capability to maintain financial control whilst supporting a devolved style.
• Experienced in use of information management and technology
• Ability to provide and present complex, sensitive or contentious information to gain co-operation and commitment from staff across the organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of budgeting and planning
• Good understanding of NHS policy and environment.
• Demonstrable evidence of extensive experience of financial month end procedures

Desirable

• Experience of managing/providing support to cost improvement programmes.
• Exposure to costing systems and reports
• Evidence of interest in social and/or intellectual pursuits
• Experience of budgeting and planning in an NHS provider organisation

Skills & Attributes

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of staff within the Trust.
• Good analytical and reasoning skills.
• Ability to analyse, investigate and resolve complex financial queries, drawing on information from a number of sources and providing various resolutions
• Good planning skills to ensure that workload is prioritised and deadlines met (both long term & short term).
• Ability to use experience to make appropriate assumptions in the preparation of financial reports and plans
• Awareness and knowledge of working within professional accounting standards and legislation and their application to the NHS.
• Excellent level of proficiency in Computer Application packages, (Microsoft Office), ECDL.
• Can use initiative to develop new ways of working in order to provide solutions to problem issues.
• Confident approach.
• Shows attention to detail.

Desirable

• Evidence of strategic thinking and innovation
• Understanding of Human Resource Issues.
• Evidence of ability to manage staff and their deadlines.

Other

Essential

• Ability to maintain emotional resilience and composure when undertaking the role
• Ability to concentrate for long periods in a busy environment where there are numerous interuptions
• Team worker
• A positive, professional, enthusiastic and helpful attitude
• Flexible, reliable and adaptable
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Analytical in approach to tasks
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to comply with the Trust’s No Smoking Policy

Desirable

• Smart appearance and professional demeanour

Closing Date: 16 August 2026