Deputy Chief Finance Officer

Islet Systems; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust is seeking a highly experienced Deputy Chief Finance Officer (DCFO) to join their team in Exeter. In this key senior leadership role, you will support the Chief Finance Officer, ensuring the Trust’s financial sustainability and compliance. You will need extensive experience in financial management, excellent leadership skills, and a credible background in NHS financial governance. This position offers flexible and hybrid working options, contributing to impactful organizational strategy and patient care.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible and hybrid working options

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, ideally within the NHS or public sector.
• Significant experience as an NHS Accountant.
• Experience of developing financial planning and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Manage and perform the Financial Support Services to ensure high-quality service.
• Advise on the construction of the Trust’s financial strategy.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Board and senior leaders.

Skills

Financial management

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

Evidence of current and relevant CPD

Job description

Job Summary

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 Trust’s financial function. The postholder will play a central role in ensuring the Trust’s 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.

Essential Criteria

• 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.

Main Duties

• 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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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.

Experience and Qualifications

• Significant experience as an NHS Accountant.
• Experience of working at a senior level within a large multidisciplinary complex organisation.
• Experience of senior leadership across a range of service relevant to the portfolio.
• Experience of 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.
• CCAB Qualified (Fellow member).
• Evidence of current and relevant CPD.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.