Financial Controller

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Southampton is seeking a Finance Team leader. This critical role involves leading the Financial Control team, overseeing comprehensive financial management, and collaborating with various departments to ensure effective financial reporting. The ideal candidate will be a CCAB qualified accountant with significant experience in financial strategy and management. A flexible hybrid working approach is offered, making this an exciting opportunity for candidates looking to thrive in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial management and strategy formulation.
• Ability to cope with complex problems and provide imaginative solutions.
• Significant leadership experience in finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Control team for comprehensive financial management.
• Oversee internal and external financial reporting.
• Coordinate year-end processes with relevant teams.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good verbal communication

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work under tight deadlines

Education

CCAB qualified accountant

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for a detailed job description for the role.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Finance Team in a large £1bn+, high performing, acute Foundation Trust in a fantastic location on the South Coast. This role is a key part of the finance Senior Leadership Team, leading the Financial Control team, providing overall financial leadership to the organisation and supporting the achievement of Finance Team Vision. We are supportive, flexible and collaborative and are committed to your career development with us. We are looking to encourage diversity of talent to UHS and welcome applications from the public or private sector.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Specific to this role is the suitability for agile working which is a mixture of on-site and remote working. In addition, we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Control team to provide a comprehensive financial accounting service to the Trust.
• Oversee the financial accounting elements of the Trust’s internal reporting, external reporting and financial planning, including balance sheet and cash‑flow forecast, liaising with the wider finance function.
• Lead the team in providing comprehensive technical financial advice on complex projects, including Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, financing arrangements and VAT.
• Lead the Trust’s year‑end process, co‑ordinating the relevant teams. You will be the main contact for external audit with responsibility for delivering a robust set of financial accounts at year‑end within set national timescales.

Person specification

Trust Values

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

  Qualifications Training Required

  • CCAB qualified accountant with relevant post qualification experience at a senior level or equivalent knowledge and experience

  Desirable criteria

  • Graduate
  • Evidence of CPD

  Previous or relevant experience necessary

  • Extensive experience of financial management and formulating financial strategy
  • Knowledge of data collection for forecasting and planning.
  • Significant previous experience of a leadership role within finance and proven track record of delivering through others.Knowledge of designing advanced spreadsheets and undertaking complex financial modelling.
  • Experience of financial project management including financial appraisal techniques
  • Knowledge of relevant accounting standards

  Desirable criteria

  • Relevant experience within the health service or a related area.
  • Knowledge and understanding of NHS Trust Financial processes, NHS structural relationships, the NHS financial regime and existing relevant legislation

  Aptitudes And Skills Required

  • Working to tight deadlines
  • Good verbal communication
  • Ability to maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of professional and technical information.
  • Excellent problem‑solving skills in a highly complex environment.
  • Highly numerate.
  • Attention to detail and use of forecasting and estimation skills.
  • Ability to use a variety of communication styles to motivate others and influence the decision making process.
  • Accurate & timely production of information.
  • Ability to cope with a wide variety of tasks.Operational awareness to allow strong financial support and the ability to deal professionally with a range of contacts.
  • Able to communicate with staff colleagues at all levels including Executive Directors.
  • Ability to identify problems and causes, to secure relevant information and to provide imaginative solutions.
  • Ability to understand and resolve highly complex problems and dilemmas and make judgements regarding the allocation of finances, often when there is no precedent