Head of Finance

About the role

The Head of Finance provides strategic financial leadership to a Care Group within an NHS Trust, supporting senior managers, clinicians and directors in making informed operational and strategic decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead annual financial planning, aligning budgets with Trust objectives and financial targets.
• Monitor financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and prepare forecasts and recovery plans.
• Maintain robust financial systems, controls and governance processes.
• Prepare and appraise business cases using NHS England’s Five Case Model.
• Manage Care Group budgets, authorise expenditure within delegated limits and ensure policy compliance.
• Produce financial reports with clear analysis and recommendations.
• Develop and lead the Financial Management Team, fostering high performance and continuous improvement.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and promote efficiency, productivity and value for money.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Directors, Integrated Care Boards and NHS England.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in financial management within the NHS or a comparable public‑sector environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with senior clinicians and executives.

Required skills

What we offer

• Access to the NHS Pension Scheme with generous retirement benefits.
• 27 days holiday, rising to 33 days based on service length.
• Paid and unpaid leave options covering emergency and planned situations.
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance.