Financial Controller

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Finance Team in a large £1bn+, high-performing, acute Foundation Trust in a fantastic location on the South Coast. This role is a key part of the finance Senior Leadership Team, leading the Financial Control team, providing overall financial leadership to the organisation and supporting the achievement of the Finance Team Vision. We are supportive, flexible and collaborative and are committed to your career development with us.

We are looking to encourage diversity of talent at UHS and welcome applications from the public or private sector.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

We are looking for someone who will bring experience at a senior level of financial management from the private or public sector, will demonstrate a record of financial and non‑financial achievements at a senior level, will bring management experience, supporting, coaching and mentoring teams and will have experience of financial accounting, including the production of financial accounts and delivering to national deadlines.

• Lead the Financial Control team to provide a comprehensive financial accounting service to the Trust
• Oversee the financial accounting elements of the Trust’s internal reporting, external reporting and financial planning, including balance sheet and cash‑flow forecast, liaising with the wider finance function.
• Lead the team in providing comprehensive technical and financial advice on complex projects, including Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, financing arrangements and VAT.
• Lead the Trust’s year‑end process, co‑ordinating the relevant teams. You will be the main contact for the external audit with responsibility for delivering a robust set of financial accounts at year‑end within set national timescales.

Essential criteria

• CCAB qualified accountant with relevant post qualification experience at a senior level or equivalent knowledge and experience

Desirable criteria

• Graduate
• Evidence of CPD

Essential criteria

• Extensive experience of financial management and formulating financial strategy
• Knowledge of data collection for forecasting and planning.
• Significant previous experience of a leadership role within finance and proven track record of delivering through others.
• Knowledge of designing advanced spreadsheets and undertaking complex financial…