Deputy Chief Finance Officer- Governance

NHS; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Canterbury is seeking a Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Governance to provide strategic financial leadership and ensure the trust's long-term financial success. The role involves supporting the CFO, managing financial risks, and leading a high-performing finance team. Candidates should have extensive experience in finance within the NHS and hold a professional accounting qualification. Salary ranges from £109,179 to £125,637 per annum, with flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Salary range from £109,179 to £125,637

Qualifications

• 10 years post-qualification experience as a professional accountant is essential.
• Desirable: MBA or Masters level qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support the CFO in delivering financial governance.
• Lead financial services and capital matters.
• Manage financial risks and ensure best value for money.

Skills

Financial governance

Leadership

NHS knowledge

Financial management

Education

Degree level education

Professional accountant qualification

Job description

Job Summary

East Kent Hospitals is a large and complex NHS Foundation Trust with a substantial financial deficit to address alongside continued improvement required in performance and quality metrics of patient care and services. This critical role will support the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) in influencing and driving the strategic and operational development of the Trust. Reporting to the CFO, the Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Governance will ensure the Trust follows a financially sustainable course in the coming months and years.

Key Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Governance will:

• Support the CFO in the delivery of financial governance and assurance.
• Lead Financial Services and Capital, working closely with the Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Performance across the Finance portfolio.
• Contribute to the Trust’s strategy, improvement plan and Trust-wide change projects, ensuring effective use of resources without compromising standards.
• Provide leadership across the Finance team, managing multiple projects and driving change.
• Engage and communicate the financial agenda within the organisation and the ICBs, building relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Assist the CFO in providing strategic leadership and professional financial advice to achieve the Trust’s long‑term financial success.
• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger, robust control environment, and compliance with corporate governance procedures.
• Lead the preparation and submission of the Trust’s Annual Accounts and oversee capital reporting.
• Provide expert financial leadership, quality assurance, and project management to support day‑to‑day operations, planning, and strategy.
• Develop, refine and strengthen the Trust’s approach to financial control, services and strategy.

Key Duties

The role will also focus on:

• Building a high‑performing Finance team, encouraging autonomy, innovation and best practice.
• Managing financial risk and ensuring best value for money across the Trust.
• Developing and leading the Trust’s Finance Department Improvement Plan.
• Actively seeking commercial opportunities and projects that diversify income streams.
• Deputising for the CFO as required and undertaking tasks on behalf of the CFO.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to degree level.
• Professionally qualified accountant – Member of a CCAB approved body (CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA) with 10 years post‑qualification experience.
• Evidence of relevant continued professional development.
• Desirable: MBA or Masters level qualification.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Significant post‑qualification experience at a senior level in a complex organisation.
• Knowledge of NHS and the acute sector.
• Expert specialist knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, including current legislation and NHS accounting policies.
• Experience of annual report/account production.
• Experience of the NHS planning process, contracting environment and payment by results.
• Significant staff and budgetary management experience.
• Experience of representing and negotiating on behalf of a Trust.
• Experience of collecting complex data, forming opinions, making recommendations and presenting to diverse audiences.
• Solid experience of managing a programme of project work, including major organisational or service change.
• Experience of taking a finance team through transformational change.

Desirable

• Significant experience at Deputy Director of Finance level.
• Significant experience within healthcare.
• Acute provider experience.
• Understanding of complex Group accounting.

Personal and Professional Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills.
• Highly developed communication and written presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and be resilient in times of change.
• Ability to gain the trust and confidence of very senior colleagues.
• Ability to challenge and manage highly contentious situations and issues.
• Genuine team player competent at operating at all levels within an organisation.
• Ability to lead, manage and mentor staff.
• Commitment to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.
• Highest degree of honesty, probity and integrity.
• To be aware of and adhere to the Trust’s Vision, Mission and Values.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require a current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Salary and Benefits

Very senior manager (VSM) pay scheme. Salary: £109,179 to £125,637 a year per annum. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working.

Employer Details

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Kent and Canterbury Hospital Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG Website: https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk