Deputy Finance Business Partner (Deputy Fbp) –Healthset Implementation in Poole

The Deputy Finance Business Partner will support the financial management of the Healthset programme and Inter Trust Agreement (ITA), acting as a key link between the Finance Directorate, programme teams and stakeholders across University Hospitals Dorset (UHD), Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT), Dorset County Hospital (DCH) and Dorset HealthCare (DHC).

The post holder will provide specialist financial advice and analysis to support the implementation and operation of a shared Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR), ensuring compliance with NHS accounting standards, financial governance requirements, contractual obligations and Trust policies. They will coordinate financial reporting, forecasting and variance analysis, providing timely and accurate information to support programme delivery and decision-making.

The role will support budget setting, financial planning and monitoring of programme expenditure, including the management of recharge arrangements, funding allocations and financial risks arising from the ITA. The post holder will contribute to the development of business cases, benefits realisation plans and efficiency programmes, providing robust financial challenge and assurance over anticipated costs, savings and outcomes.

Working across multiple organisations, the post holder will develop financial models and reporting tools, support audit requirements, and exercise professional judgement in resolving complex financial issues relating to programme delivery, governance, contractual obligations and stakeholder expectations. The post holder will undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the role as required by the accountable managers.

Qualifications

• Essential criteria: Qualified (CCAB) or finalist studying towards qualification or significant NHS finance experience at this grade; Evidenced continuous professional development record; Actively studying towards full CCAB qualification.
• Desirable criteria: First Degree Qualified (CCAB).

Experience

• Essential criteria: Knowledge and understanding of International Accounting Standards and their application; Highly developed and demonstrable knowledge of management accounting and accounting procedures within the NHS; Significant experience of working within an NHS Foundation trust(s); Significant experience in the use of accounting systems/software; Experience of developing activity, income and expenditure forecasts, including the modelling of different scenarios.
• Desirable criteria: Experience of modelling the financial impact of service pathway redesign; Experience of staff management.

Technical Skills Competencies

• Essential criteria: Advanced user of Microsoft Excel, required to design new and/or improve existing financial monitoring systems; Expert analytical skills to solve highly complex financial and non-financial problems; Computer literate with experience of using Microsoft office applications; Ability to interpret highly complex information, including national financial policies; Ability to manage extensive data sets, and detailed financial information.
• Desirable criteria: Clear, demonstrable understanding of statutory and other financial responsibilities; Influencing and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate contentious information to an audience that may not be receptive.

Knowledge

• Essential criteria: Sound, demonstrable knowledge of financial and accounting procedures; Detailed knowledge of the organisation’s objectives and activities; Detailed understanding of the NHS agenda and knowledge of NHS financial framework; Knowledge of NHS financial and accounting procedures in relation to the portfolio.
• Desirable criteria: Ability to interpret highly complex information, including national financial policies; Experience of Capital accounting and VAT treatment.

Interpersonal skills

• Essential criteria: Excellent inter-personal and communication skills; Confident in dealing with people at all levels of Healthset programme delivery structure and the constituent provider trusts; Ability to work as a part of cross-organisation and functional teams; Ability to communicate sensitive/contentious financial information in a clear and persuasive way; Ability to liaise with team of fellow professionals and to adopt a collaborative approach both within the Finance function and across UHD, DCH, DHC & SFT.
• Desirable criteria: Active listening skills, to interpret managers needs and issues; Ability to forge and maintain constructive relationships with senior managers and to constructively challenge and hold to account in relation to financial decision making and subsequent consequences.

Personal Attributes

• Essential criteria: Ability to write and present reports on complex matters in a way which can be understood by other professionals; Ability to use initiative, work autonomously, and demonstrate flexibility; Ability to work as a part of a team; Able to communicate sensitive/contentious financial information in a clear and persuasive way; Emotionally resilient with the ability to provide and accept constructive criticism and to reflect and learn from guidance and feedback; Well organised, a completer/finisher with the ability to multi-task complex issues; Ability to work to strict deadlines.
• Desirable criteria: Political astuteness to understand the business, political and economic context in which discussions are taking place.

Other

• Essential criteria: Access to a vehicle for business purposes as travel within Dorset and Somerset required; Be able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role.