Deputy Chief Finance Officer
The closing date is 09 February 2026
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a nationally recognised centre of orthopaedic excellence, based in a beautiful rural part of Shropshire, as Deputy Chief Finance Officer. This follows the successful appointment of the previous postholder to Deputy Chief Commercial Director.
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH) is a highly regarded specialist Trust with a strong national reputation for orthopaedic care, innovation, research and patient outcomes. We are seeking a positive, energetic and forward‑thinking finance leader who is motivated by opportunity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the Trust's financial strategy. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, providing high‑quality financial advice to the Board and Executive, leading core finance functions, and supporting the organisation to continue to thrive in a complex and evolving NHS environment.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious Deputy to operate at Board level within a focused, specialist organisation where finance leadership has real visibility and impact.
pay banding subject to agenda for change job evaluation
Main duties of the job
Act as a trusted senior advisor to the Board, Executive Team and Finance & Performance Committee
Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's Finance, Investment and Capital Strategies
Champion strong financial governance, stewardship and regulatory compliance
Lead finance, contracting and procurement functions, ensuring services are responsive, high‑quality and forward‑looking
Drive delivery of the Trust's efficiency programme and long‑term financial sustainability
Lead contract negotiations and system‑level financial modelling for MSK services
Deputise for the Chief Finance and Commercial Officer and represent the Trust at system, regional and national forums
Provide visible, engaging leadership that energises teams and promotes a culture of positivity and continuous improvement
About us
RJAH is a nationally recognised centre of orthopaedic excellence, with a distinctive culture and a strong sense of purpose. We value humility, positivity, honesty and action. Our people are encouraged to lead, innovate and make a difference, regardless of grade.
For the right candidate, this role offers
Genuine exposure to Board‑level leadership and decision making
The opportunity to share strategy within a specialist, high‑impact organisation
A supportive Executive team and a committed, high‑performing finance function
A development‑rich environment for aspiring future NHS Finance Directors
Job responsibilities
You will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with senior‑level experience in NHS or complex health and social care environments. Just as importantly, you will bring energy, optimism and a collaborative leadership style.
You will be someone who:
Thrives on opportunity and enjoys working at pace
Builds strong, trusted relationships with clinical, operational and corporate colleagues
Communicates financial insight clearly, confidently and positively
Leads with credibility, warmth and professionalism
Is motivated by improving services and outcomes for patients and staff
You may already be operating at Deputy or Associate Director level, or be ready to step into a broader, more influential leadership role.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Fully qualified CCAB accountant with a minimum of five years post‑qualification experience
Evidence of continued professional/leadership development
Experience
Significant experience in a financial leadership role e.g. sub or board director working a multi‑disciplinary, multi‑agency health/social care environment
Experience of working at Board Committee level
Proven track record of financial delivery
Experience of formulating financial strategy
Experience of major capital investment plans
Experience of managing complex change successfully
Experience of influencing service redesign and clinical developments through financial and performance information, data and service line reporting processes
Ability to act corporately and take corporate decisions; influencing, persuading and advising the Board on financial and performance matters
Track record of achieving financial targets
Experience of building successful partnership arrangements and managing intensive interagency working
Experience of team management and development
Knowledge and Skills
Understanding of corporate, statutory and legal duties of NHS Trusts, including Foundations Trusts
Knowledge of professional, educational and statutory requirements of staff under your leadership
Clinical and corporate governance
Ability to operate effectively in the political and economic environment
A broad knowledge in a number of areas e.g. health /social care management, operational services, quality requirements, Corporate Governance and Risk, acquired through training and proven experience over a number of years
Knowledge of government policy and ability to translate that into a local context for financial delivery across the organisation
In depth understanding of NHS legislation, Foundation Trust requirements, Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders
Ability to present financial information in an understandable format
Knowledge of benchmarking, research and audit requirements to continuously develop financial services and improve standards of care
Refined and transferable leadership skills - ability to adapt and adjust style to meet the needs of a situation
Highly developed leadership skills, tools and techniques in a number of areas:- strategic development and planning, Change management, political intelligence, influencing, engaging and collaboration skills
Generate a clear vision and sense of direction translating that for other levels of staff.
Engaging and empowering approach that seeks engage, involve and develop others and deliver outcomes in a successful and well informed manner
Ability to coach and facilitate the development of team members to increase performance
Personal Qualities
Strategic thinker and effective change agent
Strong leadership skills and an effective manager of people
Self‑motivated
Analytical and interpretative skills to determine financial imperatives of government policy
Maintains high standards of professional probity
Excellent negotiating and influencing skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Able to work effectively in collaboration and partnership with other colleagues and professionals
Decision maker
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Address
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHSFT
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