Associate Director of Financial Management in Exeter

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional finance leader to join our senior leadership team as Associate Director of Financial Management. This is a pivotal role with overall responsibility and leadership for the day-to-day operation and strategic direction of the Trust's finance function, supporting the delivery of high-quality mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services across Devon.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, you will lead a large, motivated and skilled finance team, overseeing both operational and strategic finance, procurement and contracts. You will ensure robust financial governance, high-quality business intelligence and timely, accurate reporting to support effective decision-making at all levels of the organisation. You will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Trust's annual and longer-term financial plans, driving value for money, productivity and sustainability, and upholding contract obligations. This is an opportunity to influence and lead transformation of financial systems and processes, and make a real difference to the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Trust's finance function, including direct line management of senior finance managers and oversight of approximately 30 staff.
• Lead on budget management, financial planning, forecasting and reporting, ensuring accurate, timely and meaningful information for the Trust Board, executives and budget holders.
• Lead on the oversight of procurement and contract management performance, ensuring best practice, compliance with NHS standards, and achievement of value for money.
• Play a leading role in the annual business planning and budget-setting processes, including delivery of Cost Improvement Programmes and medium- to long-term financial plans.
• Lead Trust-wide corporate and statutory financial reporting, including Board reports, regulator returns, audited accounts and national costing submissions.
• Provide expert business, commercial and financial advice on service developments, capital schemes, bids and tenders.
• Drive the development and optimisation of financial systems, including service line reporting and PLICS, supporting improved productivity and patient care.
• Ensure robust financial governance, policies and procedures are in place and embedded across the organisation.
• Deputise for the Deputy Chief Finance Officer as required and represent the finance function at key committees and forums.

About Us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery. We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional Accountancy Qualifications (CCAB Qualification or CIMA)
• Evidence of current and relevant CPD

Desirable

• Significant experience as an NHS Accountant in a Senior Management role

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working at a senior level within a large organisation
• Extensive experience and expertise in financial management, strategic management and transformational management
• Extensive staff leadership experience managing a large group of staff
• Experience of staff training and development
• Performance management experience with an ability to manage conflicting priorities
• Knowledge and ability to apply and advise on financial regulations and procedures particularly in relation to Foundation Trust Status

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Expert knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, financial and other aspects of legislation and NHS finance policies; experience and expertise in finance management, strategic and staff leadership roles
• Specialist knowledge of, and ability to apply and advise others of professional accounting standards
• Detailed knowledge of computerised accounting systems and spreadsheet packages
• Ability to establish trustful, purposeful relationships both within and outside of the finance department and to command the confidence of Trust Clinicians, Directors, Managers and senior colleagues in partner organisations, i.e. the ability to transfer knowledge to non-financial managers
• Energy, resilience and stamina to drive forward change programmes and meet ambitious targets and timelines
• Ability to rapidly assimilate information, think laterally and report/present information at a strategic level to Clinicians, Directors and Managers in a way which is both relevant and meaningful

Employer details

Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF