Overview South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust are seeking a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) on a permanent basis to provide strategic and operational leadership to the finance, performance, and resources portfolio as a joint appointment. The closing date is 01 March 2026.
Reporting to the Managing Director and a key member of the Board, you will play a key role in creating the financial environment underpinning our capabilities to deliver on our vision and ambitions as we deliver our Joint Trust Strategy. We are seeking a skilled and professional leader with the experience and ambition to drive excellence in financial management, providing visible and transformational professional leadership of financial services and planning, procurement and business intelligence.
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain the highest standards of probity, leadership, and public service in line with NHS values and Fit and Proper Person requirements.
Stakeholder Panel – 16/03/26.
Main duties of the job The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a compassionate and inclusive leader who is responsible for the finance performance of the Trusts, ensuring they are able to provide safe, efficient, and effective patient care in accordance with national and local standards. The CFO is responsible for the overall management of financial resources, the financial systems to deliver this and is the Board adviser on all matters of financial management and risk, probity and governance. The post holder will lead discussions with commissioners on behalf of the Trust to establish robust contractual arrangements for Trust Services. They will provide effective and professional leadership of the Finance Directorate and associated functions. The post holder will be a Board member representing both organisations as part of a shared executive team.
Key responsibilities include providing advice on financial and charitable fund management, probity and governance; leading the development and implementation of financial systems, controls and governance; ensuring robust financial performance and reporting; and supporting the Trusts in commissioning, capital planning, and risk management.
About us Come and join a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC. SWFT has been rated Outstanding following our latest inspection and is recruiting new staff to help us improve further. Our staff survey results place us 1st in the country for recommended place to work.
We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond, including Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on-Stour, and Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity. Our values are: Trusted to provide safe, inclusive, effective and compassionate care. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values in your work.
As part of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion we encourage all applicants to complete a short survey. This can be accessed via the link below: https://forms.office.com/e/ahWY3eAGM2
We appreciate you completing the survey.
Job responsibilities SWFT, GEH, Wye Valley NHS Trust and Worcester Acute Hospital NHS Trust have established a Foundation Group through the Committee in Common to support sustainability and enable rapid development of integrated care. SWFT and GEH have a shared, single executive team, and the CFO will be a Board member representing both organisations. The CFO will report to the Managing Director and lead the finance, performance and resources for the Trusts, ensuring robust systems are in place to deliver statutory duties and governance. The role includes providing leadership and developing a culture aligned with our core values, and supporting integration work with System and Place partners, particularly Primary Care.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Board of Directors
Trust Executive Team and Senior Managers
ICB, NHS England (and successor), Care Quality Commission, Health and Wellbeing Board, Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Local Authority and other local providers including Primary Care, Mental Health and Social Services
Local Voluntary and Representative Groups
KEY RESULT AREAS
Corporate
As an Executive Director for the Trust Board, contribute to the vision, strategic direction, financial viability and delivery plans.
Ensure key financial management issues and risks are discussed and planned for.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with partners in the local health and social care community. Ensure financial aspects of the annual plans for clinical divisions and directorates are supported.
Lead financial aspects of the transition to Lead Provider / Accountable Care Organisation
Line management and professional leadership within the CFO portfolio
Financial Systems and Controls
Provide professional leadership to implement the Trust's financial strategy and operational plan, deploying effective financial plans for efficient healthcare delivery.
Oversee all financial systems and internal controls and develop accounting systems as required
Maintain and develop financial policies to ensure high-quality healthcare, and, with clinical colleagues, measure efficiency of performance
Ensure arrangements for standing orders and financial instructions, counter fraud policy, internal controls, and lead the financial risk management strategy
Promote effective use of resources and lead cost improvement and best value programmes
Develop service line financial and activity analysis to optimise contribution of business units
Advise on banking and investment needs and manage agreed arrangements
Collaborate with the Chief Strategy Officer on strategic capital plans
Audit
Manage relationships with internal and external audit; liaise with regulatory bodies as required
Ensure timely production of annual accounts and robust audit management processes
Develop and implement an effective strategy for the management and protection of fixed assets
Strategic Relationships, Communication & Professional Issues
Develop effective working relationships and strategic partnerships to support delivery of the Trusts’ strategy
Lead commissioning service agreements with robust income agreements
Provide accurate and timely financial information to external bodies
Ensure staff understand the external environment and the Trust strategy
Demonstrate understanding of health determinants, funding, and national policies
Provide visible leadership and expert financial advice, upholding probity, risk management and governance
On-call and Other responsibilities
Participate in the Trusts Executive on-call rota and provide leadership and guidance. Act as the Trust Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) as required in collaboration with Information Governance.
Person Specification Experience and Qualifications Details are in the Job Description and Personal Specification
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a Disclosure to the DBS will be required.
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Salary/Experience: Depending on Experience
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