Job overview
In this role, you will be reporting into the Assistant Director of Finance - Business Partnering delivering senior financial support to the Facilities & Estates Division and Corporate Divisions, providing high quality business support in delivering the Trust objectives. You will demonstrate expert accounting and business knowledge, analytical support and clear presentation of complex financial information to finance and non-finance colleagues whilst constructively and positively challenging all aspects of the financial and business performance of the Trust.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward thinking trust, that truly supports professional development, whilst providing a stable working environment. There is scope within the organisation to progress across all areas of finance and you will be supported by a fantastic senior leadership team that are keen to encourage ambition and growth.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will line manage a small team of Finance Business Partners whilst ensuring the provision of effective financial management to the division you support.
Along with traditional Business Partnering duties such as management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, planning and involvement in the preparation and financial viability of business cases, your role will involve:
• Supporting and influencing the financial, strategic and operational decisions of your division.
• Interpreting, explaining and driving financial performance whilst having one eye on the Trusts financial position.
• Analysing, advising and mitigating financial risk in the organisation.
• Promoting an environment of strong financial control within the Trust and being able to constructively challenge your stakeholders to ensure the Trust’s financial principles, procedures and policies are followed.
• Supporting a culture of performance management within the Finance Division that seeks and finds solutions to financial problems and maximises financial opportunities.
You will be a qualified accountant (or passed finalist) ideally with business partnering experience. You will have excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills, being capable of delivering Financial and non- financial reports to a range of senior staff including Trust Board and to external stakeholders.
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
In this role, you will be reporting into the Assistant Director of Finance - Business Partnering delivering senior financial support to the Facilities & Estates Division and Corporate Divisions, providing high quality business support in delivering the Trust objectives.
Please refer to the Band 8b Senior Finance Senior Business Partner job description attached.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Completion of CCAB recognised accountancy qualification (fully qualified Chartered Accountant)
2. Acquisition of the skills below is considered to require post qualification experience in a senior management role demonstrating experience equivalent to a masters degree followed by an extensive period in a Directorate Finance Manager role demonstrating experience equivalent to a doctorate
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
3. Significant experience of closing a month end and the associated reporting
4. Financial and non- financial reports to a range of senior staff including Trust Board and to external stakeholders.
5. Experience of managing change effectively in a large multi-complex organisation
6. Experience of contributing to strategic financial AF I forecasting
7. Internal or external audit experience
8. Experience working with non-NHS bodies e.g. Universities, Local authorities delivery of sustainable Financial Recovery Plan strategies
9. Experience of leading, managing and developing teams
10. Experience in the preparation of accurate and professional accounts and reports to prescribed deadlines
11. Experience of completion of budget setting processes
12. Experience in the development of training programmes and of training non-finance staff in financial management
13. Experience of providing professional leadership to finance staff
14. A very strong understanding of the principles of financial management
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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