Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £74,290 to £85,601 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: 29 June 2025
Join Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as Head of Finance
Are you a seasoned finance professional ready to lead within one of the UK’s largest mental health and community healthcare providers? Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking two dynamic Heads of Finance to deliver strategic financial leadership across our Mental Health and Forensic Care Groups. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence healthcare finance within a forward-thinking, community-focused NHS Trust.
Why Work with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust?
#TeamNottsHC is made up of over 11,000 dedicated staff delivering specialist mental health, community, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our reach spans over 200 sites, including community clinics, acute hospitals, and secure environments such as prisons.
As a Head of Finance, you will play a vital role supporting innovative clinical services while helping ensure financial sustainability in complex care pathways. Our Trust is committed to inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and staff wellbeing, offering robust occupational health services, diverse staff networks, and a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Finance Role
Strategic Financial Leadership and Business Partnering
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Provide expert financial guidance to clinical and operational leaders within the Mental Health and Forensics Care Groups to support effective decision-making.
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Lead budgeting, forecasting, and delivery of cost improvement programmes ensuring financial sustainability.
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Act as a trusted business partner to Care Group Directors and Executive Directors, influencing financial strategy and service development.
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Support contract negotiations and monitor financial performance against agreed terms.
Financial Planning, Reporting & Compliance
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Oversee the preparation of accurate, timely monthly financial reports with clear narrative for inclusion in Trust Board and Executive reports.
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Interpret complex financial data and present it in an understandable format for non-financial managers.
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Ensure strict compliance with financial governance and value-for-money principles across Care Groups.
Leadership and Team Management
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Lead, motivate, and develop a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
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Manage recruitment, staff appraisals, training, and sickness absence within the finance team.
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Provide financial training and support to budget holders and managers to enhance their financial literacy and stewardship.
Service Development and Costing Expertise
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Lead development and implementation of costing strategies aligned with NHS England’s costing roadmap.
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Manage production of service line reporting, reference costs, and specialty cost returns to support Trust-wide financial planning.
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Collaborate with General Managers to integrate financial insights into service proposals and operational plans.
Trust Efficiency Programme
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Act as a finance lead in the Trust’s cost improvement and efficiency initiatives, supporting service managers in identifying and delivering savings.
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Monitor progress and challenge plans to ensure robust financial controls and outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Essential Qualifications
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Professional accounting qualification (CCAB or equivalent).
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Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
Desirable Qualifications
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Degree-level education or equivalent.
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Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to NHS finance.
Essential Experience
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Proven expertise in NHS finance, business planning, and financial governance.
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Experience managing and developing finance teams.
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Skilled in working with computerised financial systems and producing complex financial reports.
Skills and Competencies
Analytical and Communication Skills
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Strong numerical and analytical abilities with the aptitude to interpret detailed financial data.
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Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
Leadership and Collaboration
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Demonstrated leadership in motivating teams and driving continuous improvement.
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Collaborative business partner with excellent negotiating and influencing skills.
Personal Attributes
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High level of professional ethics and integrity, with a commitment to NHS core values: Trust, Honesty, Respect, Compassion, and Teamwork.
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Emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity to work effectively within a diverse workforce.
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Ability to work independently, manage pressure, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Benefits of Working at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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Competitive Salary: £74,290 to £85,601 per annum, with pro-rata options for part-time roles.
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Certificate of Sponsorship Available: Open to international candidates requiring skilled worker visa sponsorship.
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Career Development: Access to ongoing professional development, leadership training, and NHS-supported career pathways.
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Comprehensive Staff Networks: Inclusive culture supported by EDI groups, Health and Wellbeing Champions, and Freedom to Speak Up networks.
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Wellbeing Focus: In-house occupational health and counselling services alongside a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team.
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Environmental Commitment: Join an organisation actively working towards net-zero carbon emissions with a specialised Energy and Environmental team.
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Large Regional Employer: Be part of one of the East Midlands’ largest mental health and community care Trusts with a broad and meaningful impact.
Location and Working Conditions
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Primary work location is 200 Lichfield Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 4RG.
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Permanent, full-time position with flexible working considerations where applicable.
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Agenda for Change Band 8c role under NHS pay schemes.
About Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
As a leading provider in mental health and community services, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust supports some of the most vulnerable groups in society. Our portfolio includes intellectual disability services, forensic and secure care, and specialized regional services like the National High Secure Deaf Service and Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.
Our mission is to improve lives through high-quality, compassionate healthcare, delivered by a dedicated team who #MakeADifference every day. By joining our Finance Department, you will contribute directly to this mission by ensuring financial stability and enabling innovative care delivery.
How to Apply
Ready to take your finance career to the next level with a leading NHS Trust? Apply online before the closing date on 29 June 2025.
Please note:
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Applicants will be required to pay for their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, with costs deducted from salary.
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Successful candidates must have current UK professional registration and comply with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
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Skilled worker visa sponsorship is available for eligible international candidates.
For full details and application instructions, visit the official Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust careers page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You must hold a professional accounting qualification (CCAB or equivalent) and have at least two years of post-qualification experience in NHS finance or a similar environment.
Is the role open to international applicants?
Yes, the Trust offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for skilled worker visa applicants. International candidates meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply.
What are the key responsibilities of the Head of Finance?
You will lead the financial management of Care Groups, support strategic planning and decision-making, manage a finance team, and contribute to Trust-wide financial goals including efficiency programmes.
What salary can I expect?
The salary ranges from £74,290 to £85,601 per annum, depending on experience, with part-time pro-rata options available.
What support does Nottinghamshire Healthcare offer staff?
The Trust provides extensive wellbeing resources, professional development opportunities, staff networks focused on equality and inclusion, and a commitment to a healthy and supportive working environment.
Final Thoughts: Make a Lasting Impact in NHS Finance Leadership
This Head of Finance position offers a rare opportunity to join a progressive NHS Trust dedicated to mental health, forensic, and community healthcare. With a strong emphasis on strategic financial leadership, team development, and partnership working, you will be instrumental in shaping services that make a real difference to patients and communities.
If you are an ambitious finance professional with NHS experience and a passion for delivering sustainable financial solutions, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust welcomes your application.