Director of Financial Management: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is introducing a new Accountable Care Group (ACG) operating model, bringing clinical, operational and professional leadership closer together and strengthening accountability for the performance and development of our services. We are seeking an exceptional Director of Financial Management to lead our central financial management function. This significant Band 9 leadership role brings together Trust-wide financial management and reporting, corporate finance, research and development finance, and clinical income.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, you will work closely with the Chief Finance Officer, ACG finance leaders and senior colleagues across the Trust. You will help shape financial decisions, strengthen financial control and ensure leaders have a clear, reliable understanding of our financial position. This is much more than a traditional financial reporting role. You will combine strategic leadership with technical expertise, insight and constructive challenge, building a finance function that supports effective decision-making, financial sustainability and excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

Lead Trust-wide budgeting, forecasting and consolidated financial reporting across ACG, corporate and research portfolios. Ensure internal reporting and NHS England returns are accurate, timely and robust, providing clear analysis of performance, risks, pressures and required actions. Oversee clinical income reporting, commissioner submissions and provide expert advice on NHS payment arrangements, supporting contract negotiations and managing significant income risks and opportunities.Support budget holders to deliver corrective action where required and ensure strong financial stewardship across all areas.

Work collaboratively with ACG finance leaders and strategic finance colleagues to establish consistent standards, strengthen assurance and improve financial management processes, systems and reporting capability. Lead and develop senior finance teams and contribute to Trust-wide productivity, transformation and financial improvement programmes.

You will be a CCAB-qualified accountant, or possess equivalent experience, with substantial senior financial leadership experience in a large, complex organisation. You will have a strong background in financial management, forecasting, reporting and team leadership, with the ability to influence senior clinical, operational and executive stakeholders. Excellent communication, analytical and relationship-building skills are essential. Knowledge of NHS clinical income and contracting arrangements is desirable.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• CCAB qualified accountant (or evidence of equivalent skills and experience), with substantial postqualification experience at senior level; the post holder must comply with the professional and ethical requirements of the relevant accountancy body.
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of significant continuing professional development relevant to senior financial and organisational leadership.

Experience

Essential

• Extensive senior financial leadership experience within a large and complex organisation, including significant experience within the NHS or a comparable healthcare environment.
• Substantial experience of leading financial management, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, management accounting and financial performance reporting.
• Experience operating at or close to Executive and Board level, providing authoritative financial advice and challenge to senior leaders.
• Demonstrable experience of leading senior finance teams and managing through experienced professional managers.
• Experience of leading organisation -wide financial planning and performance management processes.
• Experience of providing financial leadership to significant business cases, investment decisions, productivity, transformation or financial improvement programmes.
• Track record of leading improvement in financial systems, processes, reporting or analytical capability.

Desirable

• Experience within a large acute NHS Foundation Trust or teaching hospital.
• Experience of financial management relating to research and externally funded activity.
• Experience of working with NHS England, an Integrated Care Board or other system partners.

Knowledge

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of NHS finance, including financial planning, management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting.
• Detailed understanding of NHS financial governance, financial controls, Standing Financial Instructions and delegated authority arrangements.
• Strong understanding of the financial implications of service planning, workforce, activity, productivity and organisational transformation.
• Knowledge of financial modelling, options appraisal, business case development and investment appraisal.
• Up -to -date understanding of the NHS financial and policy environment and its implications for provider organisations.

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS clinical income and contracting arrangements.
• Knowledge of research finance, research funding and externally funded activity.
• Knowledge of financial systems development, automation and modern management information tools.

Skills

Essential

• Highly developed analytical and interpretative skills, with the ability to assess financial and other organisational information and provide clear advice on risks, options and required action.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills, with the credibility to operate effectively with Executive Directors, senior clinicians, operational leaders and senior finance colleagues.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively to financial and non -financial audiences.
• Ability to present financial performance, strategic options, risks and recommendations confidently at Executive, Board or committee level.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop, motivate and hold senior professional teams to account.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgement and constructive challenge where issues are sensitive, contested or have significant organisational implications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver effectively to demanding organisational and regulatory deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience of representing an organisation in regional or national finance forums or networks.

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Commitment to NHS values and public service principles.
• High standards of personal integrity, probity and professional conduct.
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to inclusive leadership.
• High level of professional credibility and personal resilience, with the ability to remain effective in a challenging financial and organisational environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively across organisational and professional boundaries while maintaining the independence required of a senior finance leader.
• Ability to travel between Trust sites and external locations as required.
• Ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues in accordance with the Trust values of Together – Safe, Kind, Excellent.

Closing Date: 15 November 2026