Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Governance

Overview

In this role you will support the CFO to steer East Kent Hospitals toward financial sustainability while advancing governance and assurance. You will lead Financial Services and Capital, align financial plans with strategic objectives, and communicate insights to a broad audience. You will drive transformational change in finance, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure robust control environments. This is a high-impact position at a large NHS Trust shaping financial stewardship and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Financial Services to meet statutory duties and robust governance
• Oversee financial accounting for the Trust, charity and subsidiaries with up-to-date NHS accounting practices
• Provide leadership on cash, financing, capital and working capital planning
• Lead a high-performing Financial Services team and promote autonomy and best practices
• Ensure accurate internal and external financial reporting with clear analysis for decision-makers
• Lead preparation and sign-off of the Annual Accounts with External Audit and Trust Board

Key requirements

• Degree level education
• Member of a CCAB-approved body (CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA) with 10+ years post-qualification experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Knowledge of NHS and the acute sector
• Expert knowledge of financial and accounting procedures and NHS policies
• Experience of data collection from multiple sources and presenting to diverse audiences
• Experience of leading transformational change in a finance team
• Experience of NHS planning, contracting and Payment by Results
• Significant staff and budget management experience
• Experience of annual report/account production

• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills
• Strong communication and written presentation abilities
• Resilience under pressure and change management
• NHS accounting policies and current legislation
• Financial accounting and statutory reporting
• Annual accounts preparation and external audit liaison

…