Chief Finance Officer

Job Summary

Chief Finance Officer

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust are seeking a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) on a permanent basis to provide strategic and operational leadership to the finance, performance, and resources portfolio as a joint appointment.

Reporting to the Managing Director and a key member of the Board, you will play a key role in creating the financial environment that underpins our capabilities to deliver on our vision and ambitions as we implement our Joint Trust Strategy.

We are looking for a skilled, professional leader with the experience and ambition to drive excellence in financial management, providing visible and transformational leadership in financial services, planning, procurement and business intelligence.

A proven senior finance leader, with significant NHS Board‑level experience, a track record of delivering financial recovery, performance improvement and organisational change, strong skills in strategic financial planning, governance and risk management, and the ability to work effectively in complex partnership environments, is required. Professional accountancy qualifications and active membership of a recognised body are essential.

The successful candidate will maintain the highest standards of probity, leadership and public service in line with NHS values and Fit and Proper Person requirements.

• Board of Directors
• Trust Executive Team and Senior Managers
• ICB, NHS England (and successor), Care Quality Commission, Health and Wellbeing Board, Overview and Scrutiny Committee
• Local Authority and other local providers including Primary Care, Mental Health and Social Services
• Local Voluntary and Representative Groups

• Corporate – As an Executive Director for the Trust Board, contribute to the vision and strategic direction, financial viability and relevant operational and delivery plans for the organisation.
• Ensure that all key financial management issues and associated risks are appropriately discussed and planned for.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with all partners in the local health and social care community and support delivery of the annual plans of the Trust’s clinical divisions and directorates.
• Lead financial aspects of the transition to Lead Provider / Accountable Care Organisation.
• Line manage and provide professional leadership for the CFO portfolio.

• Provide professional leadership to the implementation of the Trust's financial strategy and operational plan, managing and monitoring the deployment of effective financial plans to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
• Oversee all financial systems and internal controls, including the development and modification of accounting systems when required.
• Maintain and develop financial policies that ensure the provision of high‑quality healthcare and, in collaboration with clinical colleagues, effective systems to measure performance efficiency.
• Ensure comprehensive arrangements for standing orders, standing financial instructions, counter‑fraud policy, state of internal control, and lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s financial risk‑management strategy.
• Promote effective use of Trust resources and lead cost‑improvement and best‑value programmes.
• Ensure effective development and use of service‑line financial and activity analysis to optimise the contribution of business units and specialities.
• Advise the Trust on its banking and investment needs and manage agreed arrangements.
• Work closely with the Chief Strategy Officer to ensure the development and delivery of strategic capital plans supporting the Trust’s strategic priorities, estates plan and operational needs.

• Manage relationships with internal and external audit functions and, with the Managing Director/Chief Executive, play a leading role in liaison with any regulatory bodies.
• Ensure the timely production of the annual accounts that support the ongoing viability of the Trust.
• Ensure an effective audit management process exists and action is taken on recommendations.
• Develop and implement an effective strategy for the…