Head of Finance - Projects

The Head of Finance - Projects will be a key member of the Strategic Finance Team within the Financial Management Department. The Projects Finance Team, comprising four posts, operates within a matrix structure and supports a range of high-profile, Trust-wide initiatives, including major programmes such as the Cambridge Cancer Research and Cambridge Children’s Hospitals, alongside core strategic priorities within the Trust’s wider strategy, including Neighbourhood Health. This role presents a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute directly to some of the most significant and transformative projects at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH).

Main Duties of the Job: The Head of Finance – Projects will act as the lead financial specialist for specific large strategic capital projects, including developing complex business cases, analysing business opportunities and identifying and reporting associated financial efficiencies. While supporting the completion of the Full Business Case for the Cambridge Children’s Hospital, this post will work across CUH and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHSFT (CPFT).

About Us: Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and more than 1,100 beds, the Trust focuses on a quality service that is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing outstanding care and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, CUH’s values – Together – Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care and define how all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services for a regional, national and international population. CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We value differences and fully support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.

Benefits to You: At Cambridge University Hospitals we support good working days through development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, a shopping concourse and day nurseries. The good work programme includes reduced-cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from the hospital sites, free Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites, free journey to the Cambridge train station and subsidised on-site parking for eligible staff. 24/7 hot food is available on campus at a reduced cost. Recent additions include staff pod break spaces in the Deakin Centre with free tea and coffee, a break space and a private outside area for colleagues to rest and recharge. Flexible arrangements may include part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Job Responsibilities: Refer to the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: Recognised Professional Accountancy Qualification (e.g. Fully Qualified member of CCAB) or equivalent experience. Degree or equivalent. Completion of evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with guidelines of the relevant Professional Accountancy Body. Masters Qualification. Better Business Case Foundation and Practitioner levels.
• Experience: Extensive experience of Financial Management at a strategic level. Experience of working at a strategic level, recognising direction and implications of policy. Extensive experience of the financial elements of business planning, preparation of business cases and application of investment appraisal techniques. Experience of costing methodologies and their application. Experience of working with external professional advisers. Experience of financial planning on an organisational basis. Experience of tariff pricing structures.
• Knowledge: Ability to negotiate effectively and maintain robust partnership relationships. Specialist, expert knowledge of specific NHS policies/procedures (e.g. Payment by Results, Coding, Patient Choice, Foundation Trusts). Good knowledge of and interest in the NHS, including understanding of key targets and the performance management framework. Up to date, in-depth knowledge of Financial and Management Accounting procedures, including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Familiarity with relevant changes in clinical practice and their impact on resource utilisation.
• Skills: Excellent written communication skills, summarising complex financial issues and preparing complex business cases. Good verbal communication and presentation skills, explaining complex financial issues clearly and persuasively to non-financial staff. Awareness of organisational politics. Flexibility to work autonomously, delegating effectively and prioritising to meet tight deadlines. Strong analytical skills and sound judgement on complex issues. Confidence to advise on strategic decisions with long-term consequences. Comprehensive IT skills, including Financial Systems/General Ledgers and advanced Microsoft Office.

Additional Requirements: Behaviour at all times consistent with Trust values of safe, kind, excellent towards patients, visitors and colleagues. Supportive and facilitative management style. Effective working with senior colleagues, including at Trust Board level. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, balancing risk. Discretion, integrity and reliability.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous convictions. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.