Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational finance across ten hospitals and a £2 billion budget.
- Company: Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the UK's largest NHS Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, excellent staff benefits, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while shaping financial futures.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA-qualified with significant NHS finance experience required.
- Other info: Apply via NHS Jobs by 27 April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Salary: Very Senior Manager (VSM) – NHS Executive Pay Scale
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: Public Sector / NHS / Senior Finance / Leadership
Make a real impact where it matters most.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is seeking a strategic and experienced finance leader to join us as our Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Operational). This is a high-profile, career-defining opportunity to help shape the financial future of the UK’s largest NHS Trust, supporting a diverse and growing population across Greater Manchester.
As Deputy CFO (Operational), you will:
- Lead the Trust’s operational finance function across ten hospitals and a £2 billion budget
- Oversee financial planning, reporting, performance, and assurance activities
- Work closely with clinical and operational leaders to support decision-making
- Manage a high-performing team and drive a culture of improvement
- Play a key role in system-wide collaboration, influencing across the NHS
You will report directly to our Group Chief Finance Officer and be a core member of our senior finance leadership team, helping ensure financial sustainability and excellence across our services.
What we’re looking for:
We are seeking a CCAB or CIMA-qualified finance professional with:
- Significant post-qualification experience in senior NHS finance (or equivalent)
- A track record of leading operational finance teams and delivering performance improvement
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and strategic thinking skills
- Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, and system partners
- A collaborative, values-led approach and commitment to making a difference
Why join MFT?
At MFT, you’ll find the scale, complexity, and ambition to take your career to the next level. We are committed to innovation, transformation and professional growth. In return, we offer a supportive leadership culture, excellent staff benefits, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Apply now
To apply or find out more about the role, please contact Will Griffiths.
Closing date: 27 April 2025
Please Note – This role requires a formal application via NHS Jobs, so please contact the recruiter to discuss your application.
Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Operational) employer: Seymour John Ltd
Contact Detail:
Seymour John Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Operational)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the NHS finance sector. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet current employees of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Building these connections can provide you with insider knowledge and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing the NHS in Greater Manchester. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to the Trust's goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing high-performing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance improvement in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Deputy CFO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the financial strategies and initiatives currently in place at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Being knowledgeable about their operations will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your expertise aligns with their objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Operational)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Operational) position. Familiarise yourself with the NHS structure and the specific challenges faced by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in senior NHS finance roles. Emphasise your leadership skills, operational finance expertise, and any achievements in performance improvement that align with the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the NHS. Discuss your strategic thinking abilities and how your values align with those of MFT. Be sure to mention your qualifications and experience engaging with regulators and auditors.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your application is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John Ltd
✨Understand the NHS Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities within the NHS, especially in Greater Manchester. Being able to discuss recent developments or changes in policy will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the sector.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, particularly in managing operational finance teams. Discuss specific instances where you drove performance improvement and how you fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence.
✨Engage with Financial Strategy
Be ready to discuss your approach to financial planning and reporting. Highlight your experience with large budgets and how you've successfully overseen financial assurance activities in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working closely with clinical and operational leaders, prepare to illustrate your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders, including regulators and auditors, to achieve common goals.
