Overview
The post holder is responsible for supporting delivery of strategic financial planning, including developing and maintaining the Trust's medium- and long-term finance models, and for supporting significant Trust-wide business developments, cases and transactions. They will deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance - Strategic Finance as appropriate, providing leadership, expert accounting and business knowledge, analytical support and clear presentation of complex financial information to clinical and non-clinical colleagues. The role includes challenging financial and business performance and ensuring effective use of resources within the Trust and local ICS.
Responsibilities
* Lead the financial development and delivery of the medium- to long-term financial strategy, including analysis of highly complex data and scenarios to inform decisions.
* Develop, implement and maintain strategic finance models to support medium- and long-term planning, scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis.
* Identify and analyse risks arising from service changes and national financial policy developments.
* Develop and maintain medium- and long-term financial models and business plans (three- and five-year horizons) aligned to Trust strategy and budget planning.
* Provide expert financial support for strategic developments and significant business cases (including Five Case Model) such as JVs, subsidiaries, ICS/network collaborations, acquisitions, productivity improvements, transformation schemes and service improvements.
* Ensure projects are appropriately resourced and challenge/verify financial assumptions to maximise value for money (financial appraisal and due diligence).
* Support and influence decision making by providing financial information for future significant financial transactions and advise on financial implications.
* Review and maintain Standing Financial Instructions and internal financial controls; coordinate with Internal Audit to ensure the control environment is effective and reporting to the Audit Committee.
* Write high-quality papers on financial accounting and reporting issues; present complex financial information to diverse audiences; participate in Group/Committee/Board meetings; build relationships across providers, commissioners and systems; represent the Trust at ICS/regional/national events as required.
* Maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge of financial procedures, NHS legislation and policies; lead process improvement for planning and delivery; ensure governance arrangements are aligned and adequate.
* Manage and develop staff, ensuring compliance with SFIs and providing training and guidance as needed.
* Support patient care delivery by ensuring best use of resources; participate in appraisal and learning/development activities; comply with personal development plans.
Governance, Communication & Service Delivery
* Support SFIs review and financial control procedures; ensure anti-fraud measures are in place and functioning; coordinate with Internal Audit and Audit Committee.
* Prepare and present highly sensitive financial information to senior stakeholders; represent the Trust at external meetings, and maintain effective external relationships.
* Lead continuous process improvement for planning and delivery; ensure financial systems are efficient and used effectively.
* Coordinate identification and analysis of risks of local and national changes; ensure impacts are communicated and understood.
* Ensure escalation and appropriate action on breaches of policy in line with Trust policies.
People Management & Development
* Maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge of financial procedures and NHS policies; disseminate information to the finance team and stakeholders.
* Line management responsibilities within the department; motivate and develop staff.
* Support mandatory training, personal development planning and participation in the Trust's appraisal process.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
* Master’s degree or equivalent; CCAB-qualified; member of a relevant professional body; evidence of continuing professional development.
* Experience using a Five Case Model (Green Book) and economic modelling; balance sheet and cashflow modelling; strong knowledge of NHS financial procedures and policies; advanced planning, budgeting and performance monitoring; understanding of acute sector operational flows and complex clinical pathways; in-depth NHS planning cycle knowledge; experience delivering customer-focused services; comprehensive NHS financial reporting skills; data modelling and complex analysis including options analysis and business cases.
Desirable
* Extensive senior financial management experience; specialist finance business partnering; senior level experience in a Trust/Foundation Trust environment; IFRS 16 experience; Patient Level Costing and Service Line Reporting.
Communication & Interpersonal
* Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to diverse audiences; strong negotiation, influencing and change leadership skills; able to inspire staff; diplomatic and tactful in presenting complex or contentious information; effective change leadership.
People Management & Development
* Line management and professional lead for the department; proven ability to motivate and develop staff.
Other Requirements
* Ability to analyse complex information; solve multi-dimensional issues; strong project management skills; ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities; experience managing complex, multi-stranded change.
* Autonomy to act, liaison with Management Team, adherence to best practices; interpret national and local guidance to develop local policies.
Disclosure & Sponsorship
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship will be considered; see UK Visas and Immigration guidance. Applicants must have current UK professional registration (NHS Careers).
Details
Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Location: Worthing Hospital, 21 Farncombe Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2BW
Job type: Permanent, Full-time
Band: 8c; Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 per annum, pro rata
Date posted: 09 September 2025
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