Job overview
This is a fantastic and rarely available opportunity to join a high performing finance business partnering team in one of the most beautiful and diverse parts of the UK.
As one of the UK's largest NHS Foundation Trusts, University Hospitals Sussex operates hospitals in Brighton, Chichester, Worthing and Haywards Heath. This role is integral to the delivery of the Trust's financial as well as operational objectives.
Managing a team of dedicated professionals and working with a portfolio of clinical and corporate divisions, you will have responsibility for leading all aspects of divisional financial planning and reporting, including budgeting, financial performance management and business casing.
As a visible leader and trusted adviser, you'll work closely with the Divisional operational leadership team, supporting programmes, projects and strategic decisions. You will also collaborate effectively with key stakeholders including efficiency project managers and the wider finance team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for the management and performance of the Business Partnering function provided to a small portfolio of Operational and Corporate Directorates. The role will involve providing high quality financial leadership working closely alongside the operational team to support delivery of the Trust objectives.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Finance, the post holder will be a key member of the Finance Team and support the Assistant Director in ensuring that the use of resources is both understood and maximised. In addition the post holder willdeputise for the Assistant Director of Finance, as appropriate, providing leadership and demonstrating expert accounting and business knowledge, analytical support and clear presentation of complex financial and other information to clinical and non-clinical colleagues. They will constructively and positively challenge all aspects of the financial and business performance of the Trust and local ICS.
This role will support with enhancing relationships between finance and clinical and non-clinical teams in financial performance management, use of resources, cost improvement development, financial planning and education.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will manage a team of accountants; ensuring the provision of effective partnering to a defined portfolio of Divisions/Directorates of the Trust; by ensuring that the teams are capable of and undertake to:
1. Support and influence strategic and operational decisions
2. Interpret, explain and drive financial performance
3. Analyse, advise on and mitigate financial risk in the organisation
4. Promote an environment of strong financial control within the Trust and challenge non-compliance and/or behaviour that disregards the Trust’s financial principles, procedures and policies
5. Create a culture of performance management within the Finance Division that seeks and finds solutions to financial problems and maximises financial opportunities.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
6. CCAB qualification
7. Extensive senior financial management experience
Desirable criteria
8. Experience of operating at a senior level in a Trust/Foundation Trust
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
9. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
10. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications