Principal Finance Manager

We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Principal Finance Manager to play a key leadership role within Powys Teaching Health Board's Finance Team. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Finance, you will help shape financial strategy, lead high-profile financial planning and reporting activities, and provide expert advice that supports the delivery of high-quality healthcare services across Powys. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic team, leading on financial planning, forecasting, performance reporting, savings delivery, and digital innovation.

You will oversee a talented team, champion modern finance systems and data-driven decision-making, and work closely with senior leaders to ensure resources are used effectively to maximise value for patients and communities. We are looking for a CCAB-qualified accountant with strong leadership skills, strategic vision and the ability to thrive in a complex environment. In return, you will gain exposure to executive-level decision-making, the opportunity to influence the future direction of NHS services. If you are passionate about leadership, transformation and delivering value in public services, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As Principal Finance Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role within Powys Teaching Health Board's Finance Team. You will lead the co-ordination and delivery of key financial support functions, including financial planning, board and Welsh Government reporting, financial management and oversight of both the Finance Systems Team and Finance Support Team. You will also provide senior leadership support and deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance when required. You will work closely with the whole Finance team, senior leaders, and managers across the organisation.

The role is fundamental to ensuring the Health Board meets its statutory financial duties through robust planning, forecasting, governance and performance management, while promoting the effective use of resources. A key aspect of the role is leading on financial planning and reporting, including the development of annual and three-year financial plans, production of board reports and monitoring returns. You will ensure financial information is accurate, timely and forward-looking, helping the organisation identify opportunities, manage risks and make informed decisions.

You will lead and develop a high-performing team, oversee financial systems and reporting tools, and drive improvements in financial processes, intelligence and governance to support the delivery of sustainable healthcare services across Powys.

About us

Being the smallest Health Board in Wales means that you won't get lost in the crowd. Everybody at Powys Teaching Health Board is valued for the contribution they make to our varied and diverse portfolio of community-based services. Together, we can continue to make a real difference to our patients and build on our unrivalled reputation. As a supportive and progressive employer, we actively encourage you to carve out a career with us, through a range of development pathways. We're also lucky enough to be situated in one of the most beautiful rural counties in Britain, let alone Wales! Achieving a healthy 'life work' balance is essential, and something we recognise by prioritising your well-being.

To start your journey with us, and to learn more about what we can offer you please visit: https://pthb.nhs.wales/working-for-us/. There you will find information about our benefits and values, read staff experiences and more about what our beautiful county has to offer.

Job responsibilities

We would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers; but even if you don't speak any Welsh, or want to develop your skills, don't worry: the health board will support you with training. Some ability to speak, read and/or write Welsh, or an eagerness to learn.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

The Finance Department operates a hybrid working model, where each member of the team works from the office in Bronllys at least two days per week.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• CCAB Qualified Accountant professional accountancy qualification plus further specialist knowledge training and experience
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
• Understanding of the NHS, its infrastructure and partner organisations.
• Understanding of the NHS Financial Management agenda and key issues faced.
• Understanding of developing best practice in the NHS within the UK nations; and of management and leadership best practice developments

Experience

• Financial management in a complex organisation such as the NHS
• Working in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Delivering within challenging financial situations, including financial turnaround/overspend.

Aptitude and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Highly developed analytical, interpretational, and comparative skills capable of dealing with highly complex and sensitive information to support rational decision making
• Work autonomously and equally effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on multiple complex tasks simultaneously and produce high quality work within tight deadlines and within resource constraints
• IT literate with practical computer application skills covering Microsoft products including advanced level of Excel spreadsheets
• Demonstrable project management skills including work planning, organization, and prioritization
• Ability to think innovatively and develop new ways of working, continuously striving to improve systems and performance
• Interpret and apply Financial Reporting Standards and of management and leadership best practice developments

Experience

• Extensive NHS finance experience
• General management experience
• Experience of undertaking complex business cases