Band 9 Deputy Director of Financial Control

Job summary

The Deputy Director of Financial Control is a senior role reporting to the Director of Finance for a large and dynamic NHS Trust. The role will be responsible for the management and development of a large transactional finance team.

• Policy development – Develop financial policies and processes across the Trust (including subsidiary companies) relating to financial accounting and financial control, considering internal issues and NHS policy requirements.
• Develop financial reporting based on data in the general ledger, aligning with NHS policy from relevant bodies.
• Play a key role in developing the Trust's medium-term financial strategy.
• Establish clear operational goals, policies, and standards; ensure staff across the organisation abide by them.
• Interpret NHS guidance and financial standards for use within the Finance Department and the Trust; ensure GAM and FREM compliance in financial reporting.

• Service Development – Assess the financial impact of NHS and other policy on Trust operations; contribute to national debates where possible.
• Lead development of performance indicators and metrics in the financial control team.
• Support the development and operation of services through high-quality financial information.
• Oversee Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders, and Scheme of Reservation and Delegation; ensure adherence.
• Oversee treasury policy and procedures to maximise returns within acceptable risk; manage external relationships.
• Lead cash forecasting improvements to maintain robust liquidity.

• Analytical and Judgemental Skills – Manage multiple targets and projects; provide expert judgment to Senior Trust Management and the Trust Board; interpret accounting policies and advise others.

• People Management – Direct management of 4 staff; provide leadership, coaching and development; plan workloads to meet operational and strategic needs.

• Communication – Communicate complex financial information clearly to internal and external stakeholders; represent the Finance team at external meetings as required; influence and persuade staff at all levels.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure robust and accurate financial information for the general ledger; coordinate cross-boundary processes and data sharing solutions.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with internal/external auditors and ensure recommendations are followed up; strive for substantial assurance ratings across audit reports.
• Represent the Trust in external reporting formats and accounting policy discussions.

• Resource Management – Lead year-end Trust consolidated accounts preparation; provide expert accounting advice to CFO/Director of Finance and the organisation; lead on reports required by NHS bodies; work with the Director of Finance to shorten month-end timelines; oversee tax and VAT issues; continually improve processes within financial control teams.
• Provide lead support to the Audit Committee.

• Information Management – Line manage the Head of Information Systems to ensure finance systems are fit-for-purpose and continually improved; oversee timely responses to Freedom of Information requests.

• Masters degree or equivalent
• Professional qualification in accountancy (CIMA, ACA, CIPFA, ACCA)

• Experience in a senior finance role advising Executives and senior management; experience in business partnering and supporting service developments.
• Experience using complex financial models for risk assessment and decision-making; experience leading large business cases and presenting complex financial information to non-finance managers.
• Understanding of NHS income and contracting environment; experience with large, complex datasets and strategic analysis.

• Strong leadership and influencing skills; excellent verbal and written communication; ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines; high motivation and pro-active approach.
• Strong analytical abilities; proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word; ability to present and justify financial plans; ability to persuade and negotiate with stakeholders.
• Resilience, customer focus, and ability to inspire confidence; highly organised with the ability to prioritise and manage workload; adaptable to change.

Disclosures:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure to the DBS may be required. UK registration and sponsorship information applies as relevant. For more information please refer to the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust careers page.