Location: Warwick, United Kingdom
Salary: £62,215 to £72,293 per annum | Contract: Permanent | Work Pattern: Full-Time
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): Available | Application Deadline: 09 June 2025
Join a Prestigious NHS Finance Leadership Team with Transformational Impact
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is actively seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking financial professional to assume the pivotal role of Senior Finance Manager. This post represents a rare opportunity to become an integral part of our accomplished finance leadership team, where you will influence the financial governance, planning, and performance management across a defined clinical division within our Care Quality Commission (CQC)-rated Outstanding Trust.
As the Senior Finance Manager, you will not only be responsible for shaping the financial architecture of critical healthcare services but will also serve as a transformational figure in advancing the Trust’s mission of delivering outstanding patient care through financial excellence, digital innovation, and collaborative leadership.
This is a high-impact leadership position, ideally suited to senior finance professionals with NHS or large-scale public sector experience, who possess a strong passion for value-based financial management, people development, and data-driven decision-making.
Core Responsibilities and Strategic Objectives of the Role
Financial Leadership and Strategy
- Lead the division’s financial strategy to drive sustainable and value-added healthcare delivery.
- Actively contribute to setting the financial direction of the Trust, ensuring that long-term goals are integrated with divisional objectives.
- Engage with clinical leaders to embed financial accountability and transparency within care delivery models.
- Drive strategic financial modelling and scenario analysis for capital and revenue projects.
- Align financial operations with corporate priorities including the NHS Long Term Plan and Integrated Care System goals.
Operational Finance and Budget Control
- Manage complex budgetary portfolios, overseeing budgets exceeding £50 million.
- Lead monthly financial performance meetings, presenting insights and mitigation strategies to Divisional Boards.
- Evaluate new service developments, business cases, and transformation programmes from a financial viability perspective.
- Implement innovative budget management tools that enhance visibility and control.
- Proactively manage risk through sensitivity analyses, contingency planning, and stress-testing financial assumptions.
Financial Governance and Compliance
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with NHS Improvement and statutory regulations.
- Maintain robust internal controls and support the preparation of comprehensive audit trails.
- Oversee reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments across multiple cost centres.
- Collaborate with Internal Audit to ensure effective risk mitigation and fraud prevention frameworks are in place.
- Provide leadership in the adoption of best practices for financial governance across the division.
Engagement, Collaboration, and Influence
- Represent finance at high-level operational, clinical, and board meetings.
- Develop robust business partnering relationships with senior clinicians, managers, and external agencies.
- Lead financial input into Trust-wide projects, such as digital transformation, elective recovery, and carbon reduction initiatives.
- Coordinate with commissioners, Local Authorities, and provider collaboratives on integrated planning.
- Champion financial literacy by facilitating workshops and producing user-friendly financial dashboards.
People Management and Professional Development
- Manage a multidisciplinary finance team, fostering a culture of performance excellence and personal growth.
- Identify development needs and create structured development pathways for team members.
- Promote inclusive leadership, ensuring diversity, equity, and representation in the workplace.
- Facilitate finance apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and internship opportunities.
- Inspire future NHS finance leaders by sharing knowledge, experience, and leadership lessons.
Required Qualifications and Competency Profile
Educational and Professional Credentials
- Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ACA) with evidence of ongoing CPD.
- Relevant postgraduate qualification in healthcare finance, public administration, or business management (desirable).
Leadership Experience and Technical Expertise
- Proven track record of delivering financial leadership in NHS or equivalent health/public sector setting.
- Extensive understanding of NHS cost recovery, block contracts, and national tariff systems.
- Demonstrated success in managing multi-million-pound budgets, major service changes, or investment appraisals.
- Highly proficient in data analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and advanced Excel.
- Comfortable navigating complex ERP systems (e.g., Oracle Cloud, SAP) and producing executive-level reports.
Personal Attributes and Core Skills
- Inspiring communicator who thrives in multidisciplinary environments.
- Resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Analytical thinker with a strategic outlook and operational precision.
- Advocates for integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership in all decision-making processes.
Why Choose South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust?
An Organisation of Excellence and Innovation
Our Trust is widely celebrated for its achievements in integrated care, cutting-edge digital solutions, and its commitment to continuous improvement. With a CQC rating of Outstanding, we provide a supportive platform for ambitious finance professionals to make a difference.
Location and Lifestyle
Situated in the scenic and historic town of Warwick, staff enjoy a quality lifestyle with access to top schools, national parks, and urban centres such as Birmingham and Oxford. Warwick offers an ideal balance between career fulfilment and personal wellbeing.
Career Progression and Recognition
- Fast-track access to senior leadership through mentorship by the Deputy CFO and executive sponsors.
- Participation in regional and national NHS finance networks, including One NHS Finance initiatives.
- Opportunities to lead Trust-wide projects and cross-functional taskforces.
- Recognition programmes that celebrate innovation, impact, and collaborative achievements.
Staff Benefits and Workplace Culture
- Comprehensive NHS pension scheme and enhanced parental leave policies.
- Flexible working hours, agile/hybrid work models, and family-friendly policies.
- Access to award-winning training through the NHS Finance Academy and partner universities.
- Onsite wellbeing facilities, mental health support, and peer coaching circles.
Projects and Strategic Financial Initiatives
Service Line Reporting (SLR) and Cost Transparency
- Develop and refine SLR tools to measure clinical productivity and profitability.
- Facilitate multidisciplinary SLR interpretation sessions to drive service enhancements and income optimisation.
Capital Investment and Business Case Appraisal
- Play a leading role in evaluating Trust investment proposals and NHS capital submissions.
- Apply economic appraisal techniques (NPV, IRR, sensitivity analysis) to underpin strategic decisions.
- Ensure value-for-money assessments support innovation funding and estate transformation.
Integrated Planning and Resource Utilisation
- Lead financial input into elective recovery planning, workforce forecasting, and digital pathway design.
- Champion joint planning with ICS partners and social care teams to ensure efficient resource deployment.
- Enhance productivity through activity-based costing, demand and capacity modelling.
Role in Enhancing NHS Financial Sustainability
The Senior Finance Manager will contribute directly to:
- Optimising the allocation of resources to meet operational and strategic priorities.
- Delivering sustainable savings and enabling reinvestment in frontline services.
- Strengthening financial resilience amid changing NHS funding landscapes.
- Supporting the Trust’s ambition to lead on green finance and socially responsible investment.
Opportunities for International Candidates
Visa Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
We welcome applications from talented international candidates. The Trust holds a Home Office sponsor licence and provides Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for successful applicants, enabling you to join the NHS with confidence.
Relocation Support and Integration
- Comprehensive relocation assistance, including visa support, accommodation search, and travel subsidies.
- Family support services, including school liaison, community integration, and pastoral care.
- Orientation sessions on NHS structures, financial policies, and UK public sector expectations.
Who Should Apply?
This role is perfect for candidates who:
- Possess strategic foresight and a robust operational skillset.
- Are passionate about improving healthcare outcomes through intelligent finance.
- Enjoy solving complex problems in fast-paced, change-oriented environments.
- Embrace collaboration, lifelong learning, and a growth mindset.
Application Process and Key Contacts
Deadline for Applications
9 June 2025 – We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.
Informal Contact
Ravi Basi, Deputy Chief Finance Officer Email: ravi.basi@swft.nhs.uk
Reference Information
Job Ref: 203-C505 | Work Base: Lakin Road, Warwick CV34 5BW
Final Word: Make Your Mark in NHS Finance Leadership
This is more than a job—it’s a unique chance to influence healthcare transformation at a strategic level. Join one of the UK’s most innovative NHS Trusts and lead the charge in creating financially sustainable, patient-first services.
If you’re a visionary finance leader with a drive for excellence and a commitment to public service, this is your call to action. Apply now to be part of our exceptional journey toward integrated, resilient, and forward-thinking healthcare.
Step forward. Apply now. Be the reason we continue to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care in South Warwickshire.