Finance Business Partner

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Dorchester seeks a Finance Business Partner to assist in providing high quality financial advice, prepare the annual financial plan, and ensure compliance with financial procedures. Candidates should have relevant professional qualifications and significant experience in finance management. The role requires excellent communication and analytical skills, with an emphasis on teamwork. The position offers a dynamic work environment committed to staff inclusivity and patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance environment at a senior level.
• Ability to perform complex numeric calculations.
• Experience managing staff and teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality financial advice and support.
• Prepare the annual Financial Plan.
• Ensure compliance with Standing Financial Instructions.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork skills

IT skills (Excel, financial systems)

Negotiation and influencing skills

Education

Professional qualification (CCAB)

Postgraduate degree or equivalent

Tools

Computerised general ledger systems

Budgetary reporting systems

Job description

Job Overview

To assist the Senior Finance Business Partner to provide high quality financial advice and support to a number of designated divisions (both clinical and non-clinical) in line with the Trust organisational structure and as such become a key member of the divisional team.

To be responsible for the preparation of the annual Financial Plan for designated areas and for monitoring, correcting, forecasting and formally reporting on the financial performance of those areas.

To influence the operational policies of the designated areas in order to optimise performance and efficiency.

To work with the Senior Finance Business Partner in the production of financial information contained within the division’s annual Business Plan and the financial information provided in support of the production of business cases, cost pressure, service development and activity bids from the division.

To ensure that the divisions’ decision making and financial activities comply with Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders, Schemes of Delegation and best practice.

To provide day to day supervision, leadership and guidance to more junior finance team colleagues.

To undertake specific projects as determined by Senior Staff relating to the provision of financial information commensurate with the grade; which may not be division specific.

Main duties of the job

• Improve service delivery and efficiency through increased financial awareness and effective performance management within operational divisions and educating budget managers to understand financial and performance issues.
• Act as a finance specialist for designated areas, acting on own initiative assist the operational management team to make financial and operational decisions, within the constraints of professional and Trust financial procedures, standing financial instructions and standing orders.
• Support the operational management team by ensuring that the designated areas have efficient and effective finance systems and processes in place and that the management information produced supports the areas responsibilities for budgetary control, healthcare contracting and business planning.
• Support the Head of Management Accounts in the management and performance of the central Management Accounts function

Working for our organisation

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

UKVI Sponsorship

This role may be available for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Sponsorship will be determined based on your current situation and on a case‑by‑case basis.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Person Specification

Education and Training

• Professional qualification (CCAB) in accountancy (CIMA, ACA, CIPFA, ACCA) or demonstrable experience at a senior level in a similar environment
• Educated to postgraduate degree level or equivalent

Experience

• Recent and significant experience working within a complex organisation, in a finance environment at a senior level
• Working with a computerised general ledger and budgetary reporting system
• Experience of setting up and maintaining complex monitoring and modelling systems

Desirable Experience

• Experience of staff management

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to demonstrate excellent and effective communication skills both within and across teams
• Ability to perform complex numeric calculations and evidence of good analytical skills
• Team working skills
• Ability to produce accurate information within tight deadlines
• Ability to communicate information to divisional management team members and managers from a non‑financial background
• Evidence of supporting significant cost or income improvement programmes
• Ability to use own initiative and demonstrate delegation skills
• IT skills (including Excel and financial ledger systems)
• Well developed negotiation and influencing skills

Desirable Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of strategic policies within the health economy

Our Mission

Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.

Our Vision

Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well‑being of our communities.

Our Values

Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.

Important Information

Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.

The closing date / interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.

You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.