Job summary
37.5 hours per week
Are you keen have a role that has real impact? To be part of transforming local healthcare services & ensuring they deliver the best service possible within their resources? We are seeking a Finance Business Partner to make a real difference in a new & exciting role
We are looking for a forward thinking, motivated qualified finance professional to join our developing business partnering model. A qualified finance professional you will want to offer much wider skills than just financial acumen, with the ability to be strategic. You will have excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn complex and multiple information sources into clear, actionable insight to transform patient pathways & organisational performance.
You will have strong influencing & communication skills, with the ability to form close working relationships with management & clinical colleagues, being part of a multi disciplinary team. You will be able to prioritise work effectively to ensure largest impact & meeting the organisations key strategic & operational objectives
The organisation has entered its largest ever transformation programme to ensure our services are high quality, efficient & forward looking, taking advantages of digital solutions & driving best practice. You will work with operational teams in delivering this, & will take this same forward thinking approach in your own work, harnessing digital solutions to streamline, improve forecasting/modelling & unlock insights
Main duties of the job
To provide a comprehensive high quality, trusted business advice service to the operational areas. You will partner with operational & clinical teams to drive financial performance & strategic decision making
You will provide high quality analysis, modelling & scenario planning to support service planning, improvement & innovation. You will play a key role in developing business cases for investment
You will challenge assumptions, highlight risks & identify opportunities for efficiency and value. You will ensure information is reviewed jointly with service areas, collectively understood & correctly reflects actual performance, risk & forecasts with mitigating actions for improvement being clear
You will benchmark, identify best practice, opportunities for efficiency & work with operational areas to create & deliver plans for improvement.
You will understand resources consumed, cost drivers, indirect costs of service delivery & how these link to activity & income. You will play a role in supporting contract negotiations & ongoing contract review meetings, providing high quality information to inform them.
We support flexibility in working arrangements & are happy to discuss options that suit your work/life balance.
Hybrid working but office based one day a week as a minimum. Travel to other locations will be required to meet face to face with operational services as required.
please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.
We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.
We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Details
Date posted
18 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£55,690 to £62,682 a year pa, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Reference number
B AC-1917
Job locations
Crownhill Court
Tailyour Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 5DH
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties/Responsibilities
Utilising specialist knowledge of complex organisations accounting systems, processes, regulations, financial techniques and relevant legislation; NHS guidance and Contractual requirements, together with general commercial awareness, for individual Services to:
* Provide strategic and business planning advice to Directorate and operational management teams;
* Encourage and influence Operational Teams to ensure cost-effective decision making by management, using high developed persuasion, motivation and negotiation skills;
* Investigate highly complex financial queries on income and expenditure, carrying out regular complicated analytical reviews of the operational areas financial position, predicting income, developing and using complex models and multiple inputs including activity projections and case mix issues;
* Interpret highly complex financial data and give advice on financial risks to ensure the budgets are achievable and owned by the Operational Managers.
* Assist and advise Operational Teams in the execution of plans to achieve the performance targets set out in the organisations Annual Plan, within the financial resources allocated to the service area for that purpose.
* Oversee the accuracy and integrity of operational financial information relating to service line reporting and costing in particular;
* Identify business opportunities and threats arising out of market analyses and work with operational areas to identify financial impacts and mitigating actions.
* Thoroughly review monthly activity reports with service areas to ensure robust capture of activity. Work with operational managers, Business Analysts and Management Accountants to develop robust activity and income forecasts, performance target requirements and capacity constraints.
* Benchmark the services against other similar services using nationally recognised activity and management information and peer data (such as NHS Futures) - identify areas for improvement and work closely with Operational Management teams to identify actions and effect such changes.
* Ensure best practice is developed and delivered at department and organisational level, challenging ways of working and motivating and influencing others. Ensure efficient delivery utilising digital products and systems, and adopting and developing efficient ways of working such as the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence.
* Provide financial support for revenue and capital business cases as appropriate describing the financial implications of the business case and utilising investment appraisal techniques.
* Take a lead role in developing contract issues papers with Operational managers, utilising detailed knowledge of guidance and contractual requirements.
* Represent the organisation at meetings with Commissioner colleagues as required to support the contract setting and in year monitoring process.
* Utilise knowledge of NHS and other guidance to ensure operational areas are correctly recording and being appropriately paid for all activity performed. Working with Operational teams to ensure a clear understanding of activity performance and attainment of key operational performance metrics, understanding financial implications and clinical risks.
* Provide information and advice to support the allocation of resources, Service Line reporting and improve the accuracy of costing.
* Work with the Business Planning, costing and income accountant and operational teams to understand all resources consumed and indirect costs of service delivery. The development and refinement of Service Line Reporting (SLR) is a key tool upon which both operational and strategic decisions can be based.
* Produce or assist in the production of reports to the organisations committees and Board, as required, using spreadsheets, databases, presentations and report writing skills.
* Work with operational areas and the Accountant to ensure an in depth understanding of the forecast position, any action plans to address variances and ensure accurate forecasting. Understanding the impact of other performance measures e.g. waiting times on this.
* Liaise with the Accountants with the activity and Income analysis to refine monthly, quarterly and annual forecasts of operational financial performance as required, taking into account likely profiles of activity, cost behaviours, savings plans and other influencing factors.
* Identify and maximise the financial impact of Cost Improvement Programme and Transformation schemes.
* Produce financial information to support organisation wide projects and business cases;
* Assist in the completion of the annual planning in accordance with the timetable set internally being aware of NHS planning deadlines, and ensure compatibility with the organisations long term financial plans.
Utilising professional and specialist finance knowledge and general management skills, for the Finance Directorate to:
* Manage all aspects of own workload and the organisation of the teams workload to balance frequently changing priorities to deliver work within tight deadlines whilst maintaining the highest quality of information and meeting the needs of Operational Management teams. This will include using time management skills to ensure that workload and individual projects are delivered in a timely and accurate manner and balancing the demands of the Operational managers requirements with organisational needs.
* To coordinate with Operational Management teams and finance and business intelligence and other corporate areas to ensure smooth delivery of deadlines for all aspects of work.
* Take responsibility for developing and implementing discrete areas of financial policy and processes in line with latest accounting standards.
* To act in a professional manner at all times and instil the same standards in members of staff.
* To input and manipulate financial data in highly complex computer spreadsheets and reports, where speed and accuracy are essential.
* To undertake light physical effort and extended periods of computer use in an office environment.
* To concentrate when inputting data, checking and reconciling information and making calculations.
* To cope with unpredictable work patterns and respond flexibly to queries and requests from Senior Finance and Operational Management.
* To work under intense pressure on occasions and to concentrate on highly complex accounting information for prolonged periods of time on a frequent basis.
* To supply internal and external auditors with any information and explanations they require with regard to any aspects of the above.
* To act on own initiative and to carry out the above duties in accordance with broad professional accounting standards without reference to line manager.
* The postholder will be required to travel on occasion.
Line manage members of the Business Support Unit and provide a key link to other areas of the finance directorate:
* Ensuring clarity on priorities and expectations for team members working jointly with Operational Senior Managers to set these priorities.
* Ensure all members of the team develop their skills and knowledge, utilising other professionals within the organisation.
* Ensure close working between all finance directorate and corporate areas. Ensuring that core teams and the Business Support Unit work seamlessly together.
Communication and Relationships
The postholder will have to work extremely closely with the relevant Associate Director and Management Team/s they are assigned to. They should play an active role as part of the Directorates Management team and be seen as an integral part of this.
Internal Face to face and virtually
* Executive Directors
* Director of Finance
* Director of Operations
* Deputy Director of Finance and Business Support
* Associate Directors
* Management Accountants
* Business Analysts
* Heads of Finance Directorate teams
* Business Planning Costing and Income Accountant
* Financial Accountant
* Project Management Office (PMO) and Quality Improvement
* Clinical Director and Assistants
* Operational Managers
* Heads of Department
* Clinical teams
* Budget Holders
* Other Finance, Planning staff
* Procurement staff
* Other Trust staff as required
* Executive Board & Committees
External
* Other Providers
* ICB commissioners
* NHSE
* Other outside agencies including the external auditors, local authorities/social services and relevant partners
Internal Training delivery
* Finance Directorate Staff
* Operational Managers and Staff
Physical Demands of the Job
Physical Effort
Limited physical effort required, there will be long periods of desk work.
Mental Effort
There will be a high level of mental effort with sustained concentration, clear communication of complex issues and engagement with others.
Emotional Effort
Will have to deal with potentially contentious or difficult issues. Therefore must be able to handle conflict effectively and able to influence and support others.
Physical Skills
May require occasional travel other than base.
Working Conditions
Hybrid working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties/Responsibilities
Utilising specialist knowledge of complex organisations accounting systems, processes, regulations, financial techniques and relevant legislation; NHS guidance and Contractual requirements, together with general commercial awareness, for individual Services to:
* Provide strategic and business planning advice to Directorate and operational management teams;
* Encourage and influence Operational Teams to ensure cost-effective decision making by management, using high developed persuasion, motivation and negotiation skills;
* Investigate highly complex financial queries on income and expenditure, carrying out regular complicated analytical reviews of the operational areas financial position, predicting income, developing and using complex models and multiple inputs including activity projections and case mix issues;
* Interpret highly complex financial data and give advice on financial risks to ensure the budgets are achievable and owned by the Operational Managers.
* Assist and advise Operational Teams in the execution of plans to achieve the performance targets set out in the organisations Annual Plan, within the financial resources allocated to the service area for that purpose.
* Oversee the accuracy and integrity of operational financial information relating to service line reporting and costing in particular;
* Identify business opportunities and threats arising out of market analyses and work with operational areas to identify financial impacts and mitigating actions.
* Thoroughly review monthly activity reports with service areas to ensure robust capture of activity. Work with operational managers, Business Analysts and Management Accountants to develop robust activity and income forecasts, performance target requirements and capacity constraints.
* Benchmark the services against other similar services using nationally recognised activity and management information and peer data (such as NHS Futures) - identify areas for improvement and work closely with Operational Management teams to identify actions and effect such changes.
* Ensure best practice is developed and delivered at department and organisational level, challenging ways of working and motivating and influencing others. Ensure efficient delivery utilising digital products and systems, and adopting and developing efficient ways of working such as the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence.
* Provide financial support for revenue and capital business cases as appropriate describing the financial implications of the business case and utilising investment appraisal techniques.
* Take a lead role in developing contract issues papers with Operational managers, utilising detailed knowledge of guidance and contractual requirements.
* Represent the organisation at meetings with Commissioner colleagues as required to support the contract setting and in year monitoring process.
* Utilise knowledge of NHS and other guidance to ensure operational areas are correctly recording and being appropriately paid for all activity performed. Working with Operational teams to ensure a clear understanding of activity performance and attainment of key operational performance metrics, understanding financial implications and clinical risks.
* Provide information and advice to support the allocation of resources, Service Line reporting and improve the accuracy of costing.
* Work with the Business Planning, costing and income accountant and operational teams to understand all resources consumed and indirect costs of service delivery. The development and refinement of Service Line Reporting (SLR) is a key tool upon which both operational and strategic decisions can be based.
* Produce or assist in the production of reports to the organisations committees and Board, as required, using spreadsheets, databases, presentations and report writing skills.
* Work with operational areas and the Accountant to ensure an in depth understanding of the forecast position, any action plans to address variances and ensure accurate forecasting. Understanding the impact of other performance measures e.g. waiting times on this.
* Liaise with the Accountants with the activity and Income analysis to refine monthly, quarterly and annual forecasts of operational financial performance as required, taking into account likely profiles of activity, cost behaviours, savings plans and other influencing factors.
* Identify and maximise the financial impact of Cost Improvement Programme and Transformation schemes.
* Produce financial information to support organisation wide projects and business cases;
* Assist in the completion of the annual planning in accordance with the timetable set internally being aware of NHS planning deadlines, and ensure compatibility with the organisations long term financial plans.
Utilising professional and specialist finance knowledge and general management skills, for the Finance Directorate to:
* Manage all aspects of own workload and the organisation of the teams workload to balance frequently changing priorities to deliver work within tight deadlines whilst maintaining the highest quality of information and meeting the needs of Operational Management teams. This will include using time management skills to ensure that workload and individual projects are delivered in a timely and accurate manner and balancing the demands of the Operational managers requirements with organisational needs.
* To coordinate with Operational Management teams and finance and business intelligence and other corporate areas to ensure smooth delivery of deadlines for all aspects of work.
* Take responsibility for developing and implementing discrete areas of financial policy and processes in line with latest accounting standards.
* To act in a professional manner at all times and instil the same standards in members of staff.
* To input and manipulate financial data in highly complex computer spreadsheets and reports, where speed and accuracy are essential.
* To undertake light physical effort and extended periods of computer use in an office environment.
* To concentrate when inputting data, checking and reconciling information and making calculations.
* To cope with unpredictable work patterns and respond flexibly to queries and requests from Senior Finance and Operational Management.
* To work under intense pressure on occasions and to concentrate on highly complex accounting information for prolonged periods of time on a frequent basis.
* To supply internal and external auditors with any information and explanations they require with regard to any aspects of the above.
* To act on own initiative and to carry out the above duties in accordance with broad professional accounting standards without reference to line manager.
* The postholder will be required to travel on occasion.
Line manage members of the Business Support Unit and provide a key link to other areas of the finance directorate:
* Ensuring clarity on priorities and expectations for team members working jointly with Operational Senior Managers to set these priorities.
* Ensure all members of the team develop their skills and knowledge, utilising other professionals within the organisation.
* Ensure close working between all finance directorate and corporate areas. Ensuring that core teams and the Business Support Unit work seamlessly together.
Communication and Relationships
The postholder will have to work extremely closely with the relevant Associate Director and Management Team/s they are assigned to. They should play an active role as part of the Directorates Management team and be seen as an integral part of this.
Internal Face to face and virtually
* Executive Directors
* Director of Finance
* Director of Operations
* Deputy Director of Finance and Business Support
* Associate Directors
* Management Accountants
* Business Analysts
* Heads of Finance Directorate teams
* Business Planning Costing and Income Accountant
* Financial Accountant
* Project Management Office (PMO) and Quality Improvement
* Clinical Director and Assistants
* Operational Managers
* Heads of Department
* Clinical teams
* Budget Holders
* Other Finance, Planning staff
* Procurement staff
* Other Trust staff as required
* Executive Board & Committees
External
* Other Providers
* ICB commissioners
* NHSE
* Other outside agencies including the external auditors, local authorities/social services and relevant partners
Internal Training delivery
* Finance Directorate Staff
* Operational Managers and Staff
Physical Demands of the Job
Physical Effort
Limited physical effort required, there will be long periods of desk work.
Mental Effort
There will be a high level of mental effort with sustained concentration, clear communication of complex issues and engagement with others.
Emotional Effort
Will have to deal with potentially contentious or difficult issues. Therefore must be able to handle conflict effectively and able to influence and support others.
Physical Skills
May require occasional travel other than base.
Working Conditions
Hybrid working.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* CCAB or equivalent e.g. CIMA Professional Qualified Accountant with current registration and relevant demonstrable post qualification experience.
* A levels and 5 x GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent, including Mathematics and English Language at GCSE level A-C / 4-9.
* Commitment to continuing professional development in line with relevant Institute requirements.
Desirable
* Degree or equivalent.
Disposition / Attitude / Motivation
Essential
* Ability to interpret policies and procedures and act on own initiative without reference to line manager.
* Leads by example and instils a team approach to workload.
* Ability to challenge and deal with highly sensitive and contentious situations.
* Able to handle & convey sensitive information in an appropriate and discreet manner.
* Ability to bring about change and embed a continuous process improvement culture.
* Proactive, flexible, enthusiastic, confident and highly motivated individual who demonstrates a commitment to organisation objectives.
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
* Excellent level of numeracy.
* Able to deduce key points from large/highly complex volumes of data analysing several aspects of data.
* Advanced Analytical skills.
* Ability to resolve highly complex problems including integration of financial and operational aspects into Strategic and operational plans.
* Ability to review highly complex business cases and present to non finance managers giving clear and concise advice, comparing a number of options, including identification of risks.
* Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
* Able to communicate highly complex/sensitive and contentious information effectively to large groups of staff.
* Excellent inter-personal skills including negotiation and presentation skills. Able to overcome barriers to acceptance.
* Ability to influence decisions at a senior level on occasions where there are strong conflicts of opinion.
* Ability to represent the Trust confidently at external meetings as well as representing Finance at internal meetings.
* Good attention to detail.
* Proficient with Office Packages pref. Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint. Aptitude for utilising digital solutions and Artificial Intelligence.
* Advanced keyboard skills to ensure highest level of accuracy at all times.
* Able to demonstrate excellent team working skills.
* Organisational skills and able to work as team leader.
* Able to prioritise own work and that of others effectively within ever changing priorities and tight deadlines.
* Able to plan and organise complex activities and programmes within the Finance Directorate and wider.
* Able to contribute to the formulation of long-term strategic plans involving risk and uncertainty in Front Line Service areas and at an organisation level.
* Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service depending on monthly, quarterly and annual cycles.
* Ability to work in intense busy working environments and to concentrate on highly complex accounting information for prolonged periods of time on a frequent basis.
Experience
Essential
* Ability to demonstrate highly developed theoretical and practical proven knowledge at an advanced level and demonstrable experience and expertise in financial management, accounting procedures, relevant legislation and other policies relevant to a Community Interest Company and healthcare providers.
* Ability to demonstrate recent Continuing Professional Development including specialist training and demonstrable experience relating.
* Demonstrable experience of liaising with Internal and External Auditors.
* Extensive proven knowledge of NHS finance regime, contracting and business planning process.
* Ability to gain clinical engagement.
* Proven awareness of the current NHS Agenda, national directives and all Governance aspects.
* Proven record of providing all aspects of Finance business advisory service.
Desirable
* Management Accounting demonstrable experience.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* CCAB or equivalent e.g. CIMA Professional Qualified Accountant with current registration and relevant demonstrable post qualification experience.
* A levels and 5 x GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent, including Mathematics and English Language at GCSE level A-C / 4-9.
* Commitment to continuing professional development in line with relevant Institute requirements.
Desirable
* Degree or equivalent.
Disposition / Attitude / Motivation
Essential
* Ability to interpret policies and procedures and act on own initiative without reference to line manager.
* Leads by example and instils a team approach to workload.
* Ability to challenge and deal with highly sensitive and contentious situations.
* Able to handle & convey sensitive information in an appropriate and discreet manner.
* Ability to bring about change and embed a continuous process improvement culture.
* Proactive, flexible, enthusiastic, confident and highly motivated individual who demonstrates a commitment to organisation objectives.
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
* Excellent level of numeracy.
* Able to deduce key points from large/highly complex volumes of data analysing several aspects of data.
* Advanced Analytical skills.
* Ability to resolve highly complex problems including integration of financial and operational aspects into Strategic and operational plans.
* Ability to review highly complex business cases and present to non finance managers giving clear and concise advice, comparing a number of options, including identification of risks.
* Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
* Able to communicate highly complex/sensitive and contentious information effectively to large groups of staff.
* Excellent inter-personal skills including negotiation and presentation skills. Able to overcome barriers to acceptance.
* Ability to influence decisions at a senior level on occasions where there are strong conflicts of opinion.
* Ability to represent the Trust confidently at external meetings as well as representing Finance at internal meetings.
* Good attention to detail.
* Proficient with Office Packages pref. Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint. Aptitude for utilising digital solutions and Artificial Intelligence.
* Advanced keyboard skills to ensure highest level of accuracy at all times.
* Able to demonstrate excellent team working skills.
* Organisational skills and able to work as team leader.
* Able to prioritise own work and that of others effectively within ever changing priorities and tight deadlines.
* Able to plan and organise complex activities and programmes within the Finance Directorate and wider.
* Able to contribute to the formulation of long-term strategic plans involving risk and uncertainty in Front Line Service areas and at an organisation level.
* Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service depending on monthly, quarterly and annual cycles.
* Ability to work in intense busy working environments and to concentrate on highly complex accounting information for prolonged periods of time on a frequent basis.
Experience
Essential
* Ability to demonstrate highly developed theoretical and practical proven knowledge at an advanced level and demonstrable experience and expertise in financial management, accounting procedures, relevant legislation and other policies relevant to a Community Interest Company and healthcare providers.
* Ability to demonstrate recent Continuing Professional Development including specialist training and demonstrable experience relating.
* Demonstrable experience of liaising with Internal and External Auditors.
* Extensive proven knowledge of NHS finance regime, contracting and business planning process.
* Ability to gain clinical engagement.
* Proven awareness of the current NHS Agenda, national directives and all Governance aspects.
* Proven record of providing all aspects of Finance business advisory service.
Desirable
* Management Accounting demonstrable experience.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Livewell Southwest
Address
Crownhill Court
Tailyour Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 5DH
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
-----------------------------------
Employer details
Employer name
Livewell Southwest
Address
Crownhill Court
Tailyour Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 5DH
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
-----------------------------------