Job overview
The post holder will be assisting with the provision of financial support to the Business Partnering function provided to a small number of Operational and Corporate Directorates. The role will involve providing high quality financial management working closely alongside the operational team to support delivery of the Trust objectives.
This role will support with building relationships between finance and clinical and non-clinical teams in financial performance management.
Main duties of the job
Reporting directly to the Senior Finance Business Partner, the post holder will be a key member of the Finance Team and support the Senior Finance Business Partner in ensuring that the use of resources is both understood and maximised.
In addition, the post holder may deputise for the Finance Business Partner, as appropriate, demonstrating accounting and business knowledge, providing analytical support and clear presentation of financial and other information to clinical and non-clinical colleagues. They will support with the delivery of all aspects of the financial and business performance of the Trust.
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
1. Supporting the delivery of the business partnering function providing support, financial advice, and reports to management to enable them to effectively manage resources for their area of responsibility.
2. Building effective relationships, internally, to inform, decision-making and outcomes.
3. Support the production of multi-layer forecasts of Trust financial performance at all points in time.
4. Identifies and highlights quickly and appropriately any evidence of divergence from financial plans, targets or forecasts at any level in the Trust and work with management to develop mitigations to return performance to plan/forecast.
5. Support the monthly review of the Trust’s financial performance at all levels within deadlines and ensure that financial performance meets targets and is fully understood and agreed by relevant stakeholders.
6. Support the Director of Operational Finance and Assistant Director of Finance to hold divisions and corporate directorate budget holders to account through formal periodic reviews of all financial performance.
7. Supporting month end processes.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. Intermediary level professional accountancy qualification (As per study policy) Commitment to Continuing Professional Development to the level required of a Professional Accountancy Body Educated to at least degree level or experience equivalent to an honours degree or NVQ Level 5.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
9. Thorough understanding of accounting principles •Accruals and provisions •Costing •Variance Analysis and forecasting •Budgeting and financial planning Understand the relationship between the Balance Sheet, I&E and Cashflow. The principles of Standing Financial Instructions Specialist knowledge across work procedures underpinned by theory
Desirable criteria
10. Knowledge of the key financial performance targets for the NHS
Communication and Interpersonal
Essential criteria
11. Experience effectively communicating complex financial information to non-finance managers Confidence presenting financial information to a senior audience Ability to coach budget holders Professional telephone manner
Desirable criteria
12. Experience of close working relationships with senior clinicians Provide teaching seminars to groups of budget holders
Analytical and Judgemental
Essential criteria
13. Analyses financial data. Analyses, investigates and resolves financial queries and discrepancies/ complex financial queries and discrepancies Complex facts or situations requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of a range of options
Planning and Organisational
Essential criteria
14. Discuss financial queries with staff, suppliers, customers, which are often complex, including reasons for delays in payment and other sensitive issues; discusses financial issues with customers, which may be contentious; provides advice on complex financial and corporate issues to non- financial managers; negotiates with NHS, external organisations over cost, service issues Understand the short and medium term objectives for the department Ability to set priorities to ensure operational objectives are met within a deadline. Ability to work on a diverse set of projects at one time and to meet imposed deadlines
Financial
Essential criteria
15. Experience in a financial management role
Information and Communication Technology
Essential criteria
16. High level of competence in spreadsheets, including use of macros and interrogation of databases. Ability to use Word and PowerPoint Input information and extract it from a finance system such as Oracle GL and understand how it is supported. Understand how IT systems can be used for informing planning and monitoring
Desirable criteria
17. Understand how IT systems can be used for informing planning and monitoring.
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
18. Expected results are defined, but post holder decides how they are achieved. Guided by principles and broad occupational policies. Ability to work autonomously. Guidance may be provided by peers.
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
19. Ability to work calmly under pressure
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
20. Flexible approach to work to ensure that the Finance Directorate achieves its objectives
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
21. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
22. 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