Head of Financial Services (Band 8B - 8C Development Opportunity)

Are you ready to shape the future of finance across two leading NHS Trusts?

Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust are seeking an exceptional finance leader to join our shared Financial Services team.

This is a substantive Band 8C opportunity for an experienced CCAB qualified finance professional who can provide strategic leadership across financial accounts, financial systems, cashiers, charitable funds and overseas visitor services.

We also welcome applications from ambitious candidates who demonstrate the potential to operate at Band 8C but may not yet meet all the requirements of the post. In these circumstances, appointment may be made at Band 8B with a structured 12 month development programme, regular progress reviews and clear objectives to support progression to Band 8C.

By joining our shared Financial Services team, youll:

• Lead a talented, passionate group covering Financial Accounts, Financial Systems, Cashiers, Charitable funds and Overseas Visitor Officers
• Drive continuous improvement across statutory accounts, audit liaison, counter-fraud, cash, VAT, capital, and leasing accounting
• Work within Oracle and Shared Business Services (SBS) frameworks
• Report directly to the Assistant Director of Financial Services & Reporting and collaborate closely with both Finance Directors

Key responsibilities (Band 8C)

• A full understanding of the policies, procedures, deliverables, controls, and objectives of the entire Financial Services team
• Leadership and oversight of statutory returns and governance statements, ensuring timeliness and accuracy
• In-depth knowledge of the financial interface between both Trusts and the external Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Ledger provider
• High level technical accounting expertise in Capital, VAT, Pensions, and Audit, aligned with the latest guidelines and conventions
• A visible, personable leadership style that unites teams across multiple sites

Starting role responsibilities (Band 8B)

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial accounting operations
• Prepare statutory annual accounts and governance reports
• Liaise with internal audit, counter-fraud teams, and external auditors
• Manage cash flow, VAT, capital, and leasing accounting
• Ensure effective use and integration of SBS and Oracle financial systems
• Provide hands-on leadership to the Financial Services team

Well review progress every three months against clear milestones.

Who Were Looking For

• Fully CCAB qualified finance professional
• Track record of innovation and continuous service improvement
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and team-building skills
• Ability to thrive in a matrix structure and lead cross-organisational projects
• Creative problem-solver with a commitment to outstanding service delivery

• Competitive NHS Band 8B starting salary, with progression to Band 8C upon meeting development milestones
• NHS Pension Scheme and Blue Light discounts & benefits
• 27 days annual leave rising to 33 days with service, plus bank holidays
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements and excellent worklife balance
• Free car parking at Lakeside Hub
• Access to an on-site gym, heated pool, nursery, and wellbeing facilities
• Lease car scheme, season ticket loans, and extensive staff discounts
• Structured Learning & Development opportunities and staff networks
• Staff recognition schemes and a strong health & wellbeing programme

As a large acute hospital, there are many opportunities for development and are encouraged, you will be given excellent benefits as well. We warmly welcome your application. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Smith at steve.smith41@nhs.net. We look forward to hearing how youll drive financial excellence across our Trusts.

For full job details and person specification please refer to the Job Description.

Working as a partnership, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this.

The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation. You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally.

Essential: - CCAB qualified.; - Significant Post Qualification Experience.; - Evidence of active continuing professional development.

Desirable: - Recognised Leadership Development programmes.; - MBA or similar post graduate qualification.

Essential: - Has experience of effective partnership working with other organisations at a senior level.; - Experience at a senior level within a financial accounting environment.; - Can demonstrate evidence of setting and achieving ambitious targets and of implementing innovative solutions designed to improve services within tight financial constraints.

Desirable: - Has experience in managing within complex health service environment at a senior management level.

Essential: - Can lead, motivate and inspire others, and allow others to lead if appropriate.; - Is immediately credible to internal and external stakeholders.; - Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.; - Can employ a range of influencing and negotiation strategies.; - Can work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues.; - Demonstrates ability to self-manage workload and complexity to operate effectively.