Director of Finance

NHS National Services Scotland; Ayr; On-site; GBP 96,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A major health service provider in Scotland is seeking a visionary Director of Finance to lead financial strategy across NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Responsibilities include strategic planning, financial governance, and improving financial performance. The ideal candidate will be a qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with senior-level experience in complex organizations, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of NHS financial frameworks. This role offers a supportive work environment and the opportunity to make a significant impact in public health.

Benefits

Supportive and inclusive working environment

Professional development opportunities

Chance to make a lasting impact

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven track record in financial leadership and strategic planning.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational financial planning aligned with national priorities.
• Deliver financial improvement and recovery strategies.
• Provide expert financial advice to the Board and senior leaders.
• Ensure effective financial governance across NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
• Collaborate regionally and nationally to support transformation.
• Promote a culture of openness, equity, and fairness.

Skills

Financial leadership

Governance

Strategic planning

Interpersonal skills

Change management

Financial frameworks understanding

Education

Qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Director of Finance – NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Executive Grade E - Salary Range £96,982 - £124,871 per annum

Base: Board HQ, Ailsa Hospital, Ayr

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is seeking a visionary and strategic Director of Finance to lead our finance function in delivering across our health and social care system. This is a pivotal executive role, accountable to the Chief Executive, and a key member of the Corporate Management Team.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a major NHS Board, working at the heart of public service transformation. You’ll be part of a leadership team committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable care for the people of Ayrshire and Arran.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

We are looking for a highly motivated, professional and enthusiastic individual to lead our financial planning and management within NHS Ayrshire & Arran. We are looking for a strategic thinker with the ability to bring about real change against a backdrop of a challenging financial environment common to all Boards across NHSScotland. This role is suited to an experienced finance professional, ideally with Board level experience in a complex public sector role who is resilient and able to collaboratively lead and influence multiple stakeholders at local, regional and national levels.

You will be responsible for shaping and delivering our financial strategy, ensuring robust governance, and driving financial improvement and recovery across a diverse and complex organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational financial planning aligned with national priorities and the Caring for Ayrshire vision.
• Deliver financial improvement and recovery strategies to meet statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Provide expert financial advice to the Board, Chief Executive, and senior leaders.
• Ensure effective financial governance across NHS Ayrshire & Arran
• Collaborate regionally and nationally to support transformation and share best practice.
• Promote a culture of openness, equity, and fairness, aligned with our values of safe, caring, and respectful.

You will be a qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with extensive senior-level experience in a large, complex organisation. You will bring:

• A proven track record in financial leadership, governance, and strategic planning.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to lead change and build collaborative relationships.
• Deep understanding of NHS/public sector financial frameworks and political environments.
• The ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and value for money across services.

To arrange an informal discussion with Gordon James, Interim Chief Executive about the role, please contact Margaret Weir on 01292 513648 or alternatively by email on [e-mail]