Finance Manager in Fulbourn

The Finance Manager will play a key role in supporting the financial management, governance and performance of the East of England Provider Collaborative. The postholder will lead the day-to-day delivery of the finance function, providing high-quality financial planning, reporting, forecasting and analysis to support strategic decision-making and financial sustainability. Working closely with senior leaders, clinical and operational teams, and partner organisations across the region, they will ensure robust financial control, support business planning and service development, and contribute to the effective stewardship of public resources. The role also includes leadership of a small finance team and driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and reporting.

Main duties of the job

• The role will provide high-quality financial advice, analysis and insight to senior leaders, clinicians, commissioners and partner organisations across the Collaborative.
• The postholder will lead on budget management, financial reporting, forecasting and business case development, ensuring financial risks and opportunities are identified and managed effectively.
• They will also contribute to medium-term financial planning, service development and the delivery of the Collaborative's strategic objectives.
• The postholder will work closely with partner organisations across the East of England to provide expert financial support, strengthen financial governance, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality, sustainable specialised mental health services across the region.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Finance function for the EoE Provider Collaborative, ensuring effective financial management, governance and control arrangements.
• Develop, monitor and report budgets, financial plans and forecasts, providing accurate and timely financial information to support decision-making and sustainability.
• Produce high-quality financial reports, analysis and commentary, identifying risks, opportunities and trends, and recommending actions.
• Lead the financial appraisal of business cases, service developments and investment proposals, providing financial modelling, costing and options analysis.
• Support statutory, NHS and internal reporting requirements, ensuring returns and reports are completed accurately and on time.
• Work collaboratively with clinical, operational, commissioning and finance colleagues across partner organisations to support financial planning and performance management.
• Identify and manage financial risks, opportunities and emerging issues, supporting strong financial stewardship.
• Lead the development and improvement of financial systems, processes, reporting tools and controls to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Provide leadership and management to the Finance Assistant and Finance Business Partner, supporting performance, development and workload planning.
• Deputise for the Head of Finance and Performance where appropriate and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders.

Person specification

• Education / Qualifications: Full professional accountancy qualification (CCAB or CIMA) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience: Specialist knowledge and practical experience of financial management, accounting concepts, NHS finance policies, procedures and reporting requirements. Experience of analysing complex financial information, identifying issues and presenting clear options and recommendations. Experience of working within the NHS.
• Skills: Ability to interpret complex financial, activity and contracting information, compare options and make sound recommendations. Advanced analytical, spreadsheet and reporting skills, with the ability to maintain clear working papers and audit trails. Ability to chair meetings, and support discussions with senior stakeholders. Experience of developing dashboards, integrated reporting or financial performance packs.
• Knowledge: Specialist knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, NHS finance policy, financial reporting requirements and relevant governance arrangements. Understanding of budget setting, financial planning, forecasting, financial risk management and variance analysis. Knowledge of specialised mental health commissioning, Lead Provider arrangements or NHS England delegated budgets.
• Management & Operational: Ability to line manage a team providing a range of functions: budget setting; financial accounting; contract performance management and business analytics.