Finance Business Partner

Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (minimum 2 days on site)

Job ref: 412-CORP-7068928

Employer: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Type: NHS

Site: Infinity House

Town: Crewe

Salary: £53,755 - £60,504 per annum

Closing date: 30/03/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Band 8a

Job overview

The postholder will be responsible for providing comprehensive financial management and support to designated divisions, advising the Divisional Director and senior managers. This senior role involves presenting complex and sometimes contentious information to the Divisional Board and participating actively in the Division’s Senior Management Team to recommend innovative, strategic financial solutions.

The role requires autonomous decision-making, technical accounting expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex financial issues effectively to diverse audiences, including non-financial senior staff.

Main duties of the job

We seek a talented individual to join the Management Accounts Team as a Finance Business Partner, responsible for producing detailed financial reports, offering strategic advice, and delivering complex costings. Essential qualifications include CCAB qualification, post-qualification senior finance experience, and advanced Excel skills. The role supports ongoing professional development within the team.

Working for our organisation

The Trust manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. It employs over 4,500 staff, with around 550 beds, offering a range of services including A&E, maternity, and outpatient care. The Trust is part of the Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, providing community health services across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Financial

1. Provide financial intelligence and advice, identifying early potential issues and discussing them with managers and the Head of Management Accounts.
2. Lead in formulating financial aspects of divisional business cases, assessing risks and benefits, and advising on resource allocation.
3. Participate in the Establishment Control Panel, ensuring correct costing of posts and achievement of efficiency targets.
4. Prepare reports for the Trust Board, explaining complex financial data persuasively.
5. Work with the Head of Management Accounts on monthly reporting, explaining variances, and recommending corrective actions.
6. Develop costing and budgeting methodologies aligned with strategic plans.
7. Assist in planning and coordinating the Trust’s budget setting process.
8. Produce monthly forecasts, incorporating all known pressures and efficiencies.

Business Advice & Market Development

1. Monitor and report on divisional activity and income, recommending operational improvements.
2. Identify and act on financial opportunities and threats, including cross-divisional issues.
3. Support divisional managers in achieving cost savings and revenue targets.

Governance

1. Report on resource effectiveness and resource utilization to the Divisional Board.
2. Ensure compliance with policies and procedures, alerting management to any concerns.

Training and Education

1. Provide financial training to budget managers and new staff, promoting financial awareness and the role of finance as business partners.

Patient Impact

1. Ensure services are financially viable without compromising clinical care, benchmarking against other Trusts.

Systems and Process Management

1. Monitor service provision and negotiate with external organizations.
2. Manage divisional budgets and oversee financial systems and procedures.
3. Lead in implementing and monitoring investments and recharging mechanisms.

Managerial/Leadership

1. Ensure a safe, compliant, and well-managed working environment.

Person Specification

Behaviours

• Role model, responsible, team-oriented.

Qualifications / Experience

• CCAB qualified with at least 2 years post-qualification experience.
• Strong Excel skills.

Skills and Values

• Excellent communication, prioritization, analytical, negotiation skills.