Deputy Chief Finance Officer

NHS; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Exeter is seeking a highly experienced Deputy Chief Finance Officer to join their team. This key senior leadership role involves managing the financial function and providing strategic support to the organisation. The ideal candidate will be CCAB qualified with significant experience in NHS financial governance and leadership. Opportunities for professional development and flexible working options are offered. Join the team and help shape a sustainable future for healthcare in the community.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible working options

Supportive and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience as an NHS Accountant.
• Experience of working at a senior level in a large multi-disciplinary complex organisation.
• Knowledge of NHS financial governance and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall performance of Financial Support Services.
• Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Board and Executive Team.

Skills

Substantial senior leadership experience

Analytical and communication skills

Leadership and stakeholder engagement

Education

CCAB Qualified (Fellow member)

Tools

Computerised accounting systems

Spreadsheet packages

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic finance leader to join the Trust as Deputy Chief Finance Officer (DCFO). This is a key senior leadership role within the Finance Directorate, supporting the Chief Finance Officer in the strategic and operational leadership of the Trusts financial function.

The postholder will play a central role in ensuring the Trusts financial sustainability, robust governance and compliance, while providing expert financial and business advice at Board and system level.

About You

You will be a credible, confident and values-led finance professional with substantial senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, ideally within the NHS or wider public sector.

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in senior financial management and leadership.
• Strong knowledge of NHS financial governance, statutory reporting and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to analyse, interpret and communicate highly complex financial information.
• Excellent leadership, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role with significant influence on organisational strategy and patient care.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where operationally appropriate.
• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven working environment

Interview date: 13/01/2026

Please note this role is currently subject to job evaluation.

Main duties of the job

• Be responsible for the overall management and performance of the Financial Support Services, ensuring a high-quality, professional and responsive service to the Trust.
• Ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, integrity and business focus of financial systems and processes, driving continuous improvement and best practice.
• Advise on the construction, delivery and monitoring of the Trusts financial strategy, supporting long-term financial sustainability and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory financial returns represent a true and fair view of the Trusts financial position and performance, meeting all financial timescales and legal requirements, and interpreting regulatory requirements where necessary.
• Advise on highly complex and multi-faceted financial issues, including the development and appraisal of business cases, and lead on corporate financial reporting.
• Provide strategic financial and business advice to the Board, Executive Team and senior leaders, supporting informed decision-making across the organisation.
• Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer as required and represent the Trust at system and external forums.

For further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Chief Finance Officer Aideen Tucker ([e-mail]).

Join Devon Partnership NHS Trust and play a vital role in shaping a financially sustainable future that supports outstanding care for our communities.

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience as an NHS Accountant
• Experience of working at a senior level within a large multi-disciplinary complex organisation
• Experience of senior leadership across a range of service relevant to the portfolio
• Experience on developing and implementing financial planning and strategy including improvement programmes
• Previous advanced experience of staff training and development and performance management
• Experience in high profile, challenging role with an ability to manage conflict priorities

Qualifications

• CCAB Qualified (Fellow member)
• Evidence of current and relevant CPD

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge and ability to apply and advise on financial regulations and procedures and track record of successful delivery of financial plans in complex multi-disciplinary environments
• Good highly technical NHS Accounting Knowledge
• Expert knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, financial and other aspects of legislation and NHS finance policies; experience and expertise in finance management, strategic and staff leadership roles
• Detailed knowledge of computerised accounting systems and spreadsheet packages