Deputy Head of Financial Accounts

Deputy Head of Financial Accounts

The closing date is 23 July 2026

The Deputy Head of Financial Accounts will support the Financial Controller in delivering robust processes and controls to ensure that the Trust delivers sound and auditable year end reports.

This is a technical finance role where the post holder will lead and performance manage the Financial Accounts team in providing a technical financial service and financial accounting activities to the Trust ensuring that the Trust meets its duties in these areas.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will lead and performance manage the Charitable Funds team in providing financial systems and processes relating to the Leicester Hospitals Charity.
• The post holder will support the production of the annual accounts and in year, monthly financial monitoring returns.
• The post holder will ensure that appropriate systems of financial control are in place and operating effectively.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact,
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive,
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

Job responsibilities

• The post holder will ensure that all accounting transactions, for which they have responsibility, are treated and handled in accordance with the latest professional accounting standards and the post holders accounting bodys professional code of ethical conduct, seeking technical advice as appropriate to inform this.
• The post holder will update and maintain professional accounting competences through a programme of continuing professional development, as set out in the post holders agreed personal development plan.
• The post holder will support the management, monitoring and development of the Trusts ledger system

Person Specification

Commitment to Trust Values and dehavious

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Training & Qualifications

• Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA or Certified) and current registration with professional body plus knowledge, experience and expertise in finance management and staff management
• Evidence of continual professional development and a commitment to ongoing personal development

Experience

• Significant experience at management level in a Finance department within the NHS
• Experience of managing staff
• Conversant with information management and technology
• Demonstrate solid achievement in their current role
• Proven high level of communication skills using a range of methods including written, verbal and presentations
• Experience of supporting production of year-end NHS financial accounts
• Proven experience of financial accounting within a large complex NHS organisation, including IFRS

Communication and relationship skills

• Able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels both internally and externally, orally and in writing. Able to adapt the communication approach to the audience (i.e. finance or non- finance background)
• Articulate with practised and developed interpersonal, communication and presentational skills
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively on a diverse range of technical subjects
• Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Able to employ tact, diplomacy and persuasion, and maintain confidentiality
• Able to participate fully and offer ideas during discussions around interpretation of new / revised regulations or procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to develop and sustain productive relationships with team members, colleagues and other managers

Analytical and Judgement skills

• Proven ability to operate/think laterally & work on own initiative
• Knowledge of a range of NHS financial services
• Able to prioritise and reprioritise work within changing imposed deadlines
• Tactful, diplomatic at all levels of the organisation
• Advanced Keyboard Skills; ability to manipulate complex data and spreadsheets
• Ability to convert complex data to present to a varying audience

Skills

• Potential to develop and change within the changing NHS

Planning and organisation skills

• Ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and work to tight deadlines

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

• Demonstrate solid achievement in their current role
• Theoretical knowledge of NHS accounting
• Have a flexible approach to working and be available to work outside normal hours as and when required

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust