About this role
Job summary
Role is subject to banding
The Operational Director of Finance is a key executive leadership role within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, the postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of financial management, planning, performance, governance and financial recovery. As a member of the Executive Team, the successful candidate will help drive long term financial sustainability, support delivery of the Trust's strategic objectives, promote value for money and ensure resources are used effectively to improve patient outcomes. The role also involves working closely with clinical leaders, Executive Directors, regulators and system partners across the wider NHS to support collaboration, transformation and financial improvement.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will lead the Finance Directorate and provide expert financial leadership across the Trust. Responsibilities include developing annual plans and budgets, overseeing financial performance, ensuring compliance with statutory and NHS England reporting requirements, maintaining robust financial controls and leading financial recovery programmes. The postholder will support delivery of cost improvement and productivity programmes, provide financial oversight of capital investments, PFI arrangements and the Trust's wholly owned subsidiary, and prepare financial reports for the Executive Team, Board and committees. They will also deputise for the Chief Finance Officer, develop strong relationships with budget holders and external partners, and represent the Trust within Integrated Care System and national finance forums
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Job description Job responsibilities
This is a high-profile executive leadership position responsible for shaping and delivering the Trust's financial strategy and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The Operational Director of Finance will lead the development of annual budgets, financial plans, savings programmes and financial recovery initiatives, while providing assurance that the Trust meets all statutory, regulatory and governance obligations. The role includes oversight of a revenue budget of approximately £780 million, a capital programme of approximately £20 million and significant productivity and transformation programmes.
The postholder will lead and develop a high-performing finance function, building on the Trust's level 3 Future Focused Finance accreditation and promoting continuous improvement, workforce development and succession planning. They will ensure finance teams provide high-quality support and challenge to operational and clinical services, enabling informed decision making and strong financial accountability throughout the organisation.
Working closely with Executive Directors, clinical leaders, managers and external stakeholders, the postholder will drive financial improvement, service transformation, productivity and value for money. They will be responsible for monitoring delivery of cost improvement programmes, ensuring financial implications are fully considered in strategic decisions and developing analytical capabilities to support performance improvement.
The role also includes maintaining the Trust's financial risk register, leading relationships with internal and external auditors, supporting major capital projects and providing strategic oversight of the Trust's wholly owned subsidiary and Private Finance Initiative arrangements. The postholder will represent the Trust in Integrated Care System finance forums, provider collaboratives and national networks, influencing financial strategy and contributing to wider NHS objectives.
In addition, the successful candidate will operate effectively within a complex and demanding environment, managing sensitive stakeholder relationships, leading through change and providing visible leadership across the organisation. They will deputise for the Chief Finance Officer when required and participate in the Trust's strategic on-call rota, contributing to corporate leadership and organisational resilience
Person Specification
Statutory Registration Essential
CCAB qualified accountant.
Qualifications Essential
Masters Degree level education or equivalent experience in financial management or related professional qualification CCAB qualified accountant Evidence of recent and continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
Regulatory experience within the NHS Significant senior leadership experience in the NHS
Special Skills and Knowledge Essential
In depth knowledge of NHS financial and accounting regimes A highly effective communicator, whose engagement and communication capability enables effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders Ability to work collaboratively internally and externally and in partnership with others including across organisational boundaries Knowledge and understanding of national NHS policy and strategy Good knowledge of procurement issues and processes.
Desirable
Understanding and knowledge of complex regulatory matters. Evidence of networks within the NHS and across other organisations. Ability to articulate a clear understanding of legal frameworks and processes for a range of different partnership arrangements including group structures.
Experience Essential
Senior professional with extensive experience of high level leadership and management within the NHS Record of successfully managing complex organisation wide transformational change Experienced in using well-developed influencing skills to work effectively across a wide range of teams at all levels in the organisation. Leading change in complex environments
Desirable
Senior leadership experience within the NHS Strong track record of success working directly with individuals working in the regulatory environment. Experience of working with and providing advice to senior executives and board members within the NHS.
Special Requirments Essential
Ability to travel both locally and nationally, attending meetings and conferences, including overnight stays A strong commitment to personal continuing professional development Sound IT skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address University Hospital of North Durham
Durham
County Durham
DH1 5TW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)