Interim Director of Finance (6 month contract)
Main area Finance Grade Executives / VSM: Leadership-Gp7 Contract Fixed term: 6 months (Interim cover) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 321-CORP-8425750-VSM
Site Unipart House Town Oxford Salary Dependant on Experience Closing 26/11/2026 23:59
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.
The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
Many of our recruitment programmes useValue Based Interviewing to identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values
Job overview
The Interim Director of Finance is a pivotal member of the Chief Finance Officer’s leadership team, supporting the delivery of the Trust’s aims and improvements in quality, efficiency and effectiveness, and acts as Deputy Chief Finance Officer, deputising for the CFO as and when required.
The Interim Director of Finance is responsible for all aspects of the financial management of the Trust including financial strategy and management; investment of cash; financial risk; and investment appraisal. The post holder will have responsibility for the Finance Directorate.
In fulfilling the role, you will proactively work closely and in partnership with Chief Officers, Board members as well as leaders and managers across the Trust, providing strategic advice and challenge to ensure the on-going financial health and sustainability of the organisation.
A key immediate focus of the role will be to lead the delivery of the Trust’s 2026/27 year-end financial position and to act as Deputy CFO for the 2027/28 planning round, ensuring a robust, credible and deliverable financial plan.
To ensure a smooth transition we are looking for a candidate to join as soon as possible after 1st January 2027, picking up the Director of Finance responsibilities as required.
Main duties of the job
- 2. Financial Reporting and Budgetary Control
- 3. Financial Control and Systems
- 4. Statutory Accounts and Returns
- 5. Asset Management and Capital Investment
- 6. Finance Directorate Leadership and Management
Working for our organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and most respected NHS teaching trusts, providing world-class healthcare across four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Horton General Hospital and over one hundred satellite sites. Find out more information here OUH at a Glance 2026/27
You’ll become part of an organisation at the forefront of patient care, research, education and innovation. You’ll have access to excellent learning and development opportunities, work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to services that make a real difference.
Our commitment toDelivering Compassionate Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence, we strive to create an environment where staff feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via theOUH YouTube channel and theOneTeamOneOUH - LIVING OUR VALUES video.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe workplace for everyone. As signatories to the NHS Sexual Safety Charter, we have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour and are dedicated to fostering a culture where all colleagues feel welcomed, respected and able to be themselves. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description and person specification documents attached for full details of this role.
Person specification
- Qualified to a degree level or equivalent
- Significant post qualification experience at a senior level in a complex organisation.
- A proven track record of strong leadership at a senior level, both within the financial brief and more broadly as a corporate leader
- Professionally qualified accountant e.g. CCAB, ACCA, CIPFA
- A strong understanding of the healthcare sector, whether gained through the NHS, independent sector or both
Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit tothe ten core principles
Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.
If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK - GOV.UK
COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.
Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.
Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.
To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.
No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
Band 5 Nurse and Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker recruitment is centralised, meaning when you apply you will be considered for a number of roles across the Trust. If you have any questions please email: nursing.careers@ouh.nhs.uk .
Vacancies with our PFI partners
Domestic / catering / portering services at theJohn Radcliffe Hospital are provided byMitie.
Domestic / catering / portering / maintenance engineer services at theChurchill Hospital andNuffield Orthopaedic Centre are provided byG4S.
Maintenance engineer services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Equans.
Departments and services
You can view our departments and services alphabetically. Some areas also have dedicated microsites, which are featured in the linked images below.
"Oxford University" is a registered trade mark of the University of Oxford, and is used with the University's permission.
Interim Director of Finance (6 month contract) in Oxford employer: OUH
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises compassionate care and professional development. With a commitment to delivering excellence in healthcare, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a focus on teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients within a prestigious teaching trust located in the vibrant city of Oxford.