Director of Finance

We have an exciting and unique opportunity to lead a broad financial portfolio at a large NHS Trust in the South East of England.

Reporting directly to our newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, the DoF is accountable for ensuring effective financial management of the Trust's overall budget, in addition to compliance with sound financial policies, procedures and the management of business and financial risk for the Trust.

The post holder will support the Trust in delivering an outstanding finance function for the benefit of staff and patients and is a key member of the Trust's senior leadership team.

The post holder will provide leadership and direction to the Finance Directorate and will be responsible for the development, implementation and overall performance of financial operational objectives that achieve the Trust's strategic aims and objectives as set by the Trust Executive.

To succeed in this role, you will have experience of operating at board / sub-board level in an NHS environment, ideally having worked as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Deputy CFO in a large NHS Trust.

You will demonstrate an engaging and inclusive leadership style and have the credibility and gravitas to lead financial management in a complex acute setting.

Main duties of the job

• As a Director of the Trust, plays a major part in corporate management and operational planning


• Deputise for the Chief Financial Officer as required


• Participate in the promotion of efficient and effective relationships between the Trust and all users of its service and those in the wider health economy, actively contributing to the Integrated Care System (ICS) plans


• Contribute to the establishment of the Trust-wide standards to maintain, monitor and improve the quality of total care and the efficient use of resources to promote patient satisfaction, experience and outcomes


• Contribute to the development, communication and promotion of the Patient First programme vision, mission and values


• Contribute to the development of a culture of continuous improvement; promotion of new ideas and initiatives; leading others through the journey to a sustainable future to meet stretching financial performance targets


• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to agree operational and personal objectives and performance targets


• Ensure that all legal and statutory obligations are met, including leadership of the Annual Accounts for the Trust


• Ensure the highest standards of corporate and clinical governance, personal conduct and probity


• Represent the Trust locally, regionally and nationally as and when required


• Participate in the Trust's Director on-call arrangements, Please see attached job description and personal specification for a more detailed description of the main responsibilities for this role.
  
  oEducated to Masters level


• oCCAB qualified (ACCA,CIPFA,CIMA,ICAEW)


• oEvidence of continuing professional and managerial development


• oSubstantial senior management experience in NHS Finance at Director or aspirant Director level


• oDemonstrable track record operating at or near board level in a large complex, preferably Found Trust environment (desirable);


with the professional credibility to contribute to high level discussions and strategic planning

• oEvidence of successful and sustained financial management in an environment of organisational change and improvement


• oSound understanding of NHS strategic change agenda and political environment


• oSound understanding of the commercial environment; and the national healthcare policy and strategic direction


• oCurrent knowledge of all aspects of finance, corporate governance and controls assurance


• oProven experience of developing and reviewing business cases and capacity plans


• oExceptional leadership and communication skills with experience of dealing directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders


Skills

Essential

• oDemonstrate the competencies in the NHS Management and Leadership standards and the dimensions of the Leadership Qualities Framework (LQF)


• oA leadership role model who actively portrays and promotes organisational values and desired leadership behaviours


• oHighly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels


• oAchieves commitment and support through the use of integrity and influence


• oUnderstanding of service re-design and improvement methodologies and is able to translate strategic direction into deliverable, measurable outcomes


• oCommunicates with authority both internally and externally


• oConstructively challenges activities which may not contribute to the delivery of the corporate strategy whilst balancing the importance of being a corporate player


• oPossesses excellent chair and facilitation skills


• oProven ability to deliver presentations and training sessions to audiences within and outside the Trust


• oAnalytical skills, ability to grasp a complex problem quickly and provide non-traditional solutions to problems


• oDemonstrate high levels of motivation


• oNegotiates effectively with internal and external contacts


• oProject management training and skills


• oAbility to think analytically and synthesise information


• oProven ability to operate at strategic level and translate into objectives and action


• oIT literate in a range of applications including MS office


• oEvidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.


• oEvidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)., oStrong commercial and business acumen with an ability to contribute to major investment programmes


• oAbility to influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and service improvements


• oAbility to balance the need to manage operationally and think strategically


• oA motivational leader, able to set a clear direction and vision and drive continuous improvement


• oInnovative style of management, communicating vision and leading change through others


• oThorough understanding of the financial requirements of a challenged Trust


• oCollaborative working style with peers, sharing knowledge and being proactive in understanding current issues


• oWider experience within the NHS, particularly in the acute hospital sector (desirable)
  
  At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed.


We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs.

This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be.

From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.