Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Governance
Closing date : 06 November 2025
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is a large and complex NHS Foundation Trust facing a substantial financial deficit together with a mandate to improve patient care and service quality. The Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Governance will support the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) in steering a financially sustainable future, providing strategic and operational leadership across the finance portfolio.
Main duties of the job
- The post holder will contribute to the Trust’s strategy, improvement plan and project portfolio, ensuring effective resource use without compromising standards in their own area.
- The role requires strong delivery capability, project management, change leadership, team motivation and stakeholder partnership.
- The post holder will lead engagement and communication of the financial agenda within the organisation and across the Integrated Care Board (ICB), building robust relationships.
- Working closely with the Deputy Chief Finance Officer – Performance to provide leadership across the Finance Team.
- Assisting the CFO in delivering strategic leadership and professional financial advice to secure the Trust’s long‑term financial success.
About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is "great healthcare from great people" and our core values are :
People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference.We are committed to a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called "We care" – empowering frontline staff to lead daily improvements. We welcome compassionate people to join our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we serve daily.
To work in the UK you must declare your need for a Certificate of Sponsorship. We sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa for roles Band 5 and above.
Job responsibilities
Role specific duties
Accountability – Jointly responsible for ensuring the integrity of the general ledger and providing assurance to the CFO that financial information is accurate and complies with professional accounting standards. Lead the development of statutory financial duties, oversee financial accounting frameworks, and ensure control environments and corporate governance procedures are robust.Financial Services & Capital – Provide leadership on invoice payment, cashiering, treasury management, and capital reporting. Manage Cash, Funding, Capital and Working Capital, ensuring resilient staffing structures and cost‑effective services.Strategic Financial Leadership – Deliver high‑quality financial services, maintain robust controls, support decision‑making with meaningful analysis, and lead the preparation of annual accounts and external audit sign‑off.Commercial & Group Finance – Develop commercial opportunities, oversee group accounting structures, and support subsidiaries with robust financial monitoring and challenge.Planning and Operational Finance – Translate Trust strategies into financial plans and budgets, lead the annual budgeting process, and continually refine the Trust’s financial control systems.Communication & Stakeholder Management – Act as an ambassador for the Trust, communicating in national forums and providing expert financial leadership and guidance across the organisation.Leadership & Culture – Lead finance teams, promote continuous improvement, and develop staff through coaching and training.Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Degree level education.Professional accountant (Member of a CCAB approved body – CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA).10+ years post‑qualification experience.Continuing professional development evidence.Skills, knowledge and experience
Senior level experience in a complex organisation.Knowledge of NHS and acute sector finance.Expertise in NHS accounting policies, legislation and financial procedures.Experience in annual report / account production.Experience of NHS planning, contracting and payment by results.Significant staff and budgetary management experience.Experience of representing and negotiating on behalf of a Trust.Strong analytical, decision‑making and presentation skills.Programme management experience, including organisational change.Deputy Director of Finance or equivalent experience.Healthcare (acute provider) experience.Understanding of complex group accounting.Personal / professional attributes
Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills.High‑level communication and written presentation skills.Resilience under pressure and at times of change.Ability to gain the trust and confidence of senior colleagues.Effective challenge of contentious situations.Team player at all organisational levels.Leadership, management and mentoring ability.Commitment to the Trust’s Vision, Mission and Values.Equality, diversity and inclusion advocacy.Highest degree of honesty, probity and integrity.Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires Disclosure and Barring Service (CRB) checking for potential criminal convictions.
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