Directorate Accountant (COS) At Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom
Salary: £46,148 to £52,809 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (9 months)
Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available (Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship)
Closing Date: 28 May 2025
Reference Number: 190-0347-DIR

About Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the leading NHS Trusts in the UK, renowned for its commitment to excellent healthcare delivery, cutting-edge research, and supporting staff development. With multiple hospital sites including Northern General Hospital, the Trust provides comprehensive clinical services to the community and fosters a supportive working environment.

The Trust emphasizes innovation in healthcare finance and management, offering excellent benefits and career progression opportunities for finance professionals. It is an employer of choice for individuals aiming to make a difference in the NHS financial landscape.

Role Overview: Directorate Accountant (Fixed Term)

The Directorate Accountant role is a pivotal financial management position within the Trust’s Financial Management Department. The successful candidate will provide expert financial advice, management accounting, and business support to Clinical and Corporate Directorates.

This fixed term opportunity (covering maternity leave) offers significant scope for professional growth, working alongside clinical teams to optimize financial performance and contribute to the Trust’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities of the Directorate Accountant

Financial Management and Planning

Develop, prepare, and manage annual financial plans for multiple Clinical Directorates.
Monitor, review, and report on Directorate financial performance against budget targets.
Provide detailed financial analysis to influence Directorate operational policies for improved efficiency.
Support the preparation of business cases related to cost pressures, service developments, and activity bids.

Compliance and Governance

Ensure financial activities comply with NHS Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders, and the Trust’s Schemes of Delegation.
Maintain financial control and governance within assigned Directorates, ensuring transparency and adherence to best practices.

Leadership and Team Collaboration

Act as a full member of the Directorate team, providing financial expertise and guidance.
Lead and supervise junior finance staff within the Directorate finance team.
Collaborate with Senior Financial Managers to support broader Financial Management team initiatives and projects.

Financial Reporting and Systems

Prepare and present financial information for inclusion in the Directorate’s annual Business Plan.
Facilitate the collection and reporting of annual Reference Costs data.
Provide financial information and reports to network partners and other stakeholders as needed.

Project Management

Undertake specific financial projects and initiatives as delegated by Senior Financial Managers.
Use project management skills to deliver financial outcomes that support Trust priorities.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

Professional Qualifications

CCAB (Chartered Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualified accountant or passed finalist.

Experience

Proven track record of full-spectrum management accounting duties within a healthcare or related environment.
Demonstrated understanding of NHS finance policies, accounting procedures, and budgeting systems.
Experience managing teams to deliver timely and accurate financial reports.
Advanced IT skills, including expert-level Excel, budgeting software, and ideally Integrated Ledger systems.

Key Skills and Aptitudes

Strong numerical and analytical ability with high attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clinical and corporate stakeholders.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
Effective interpersonal skills to influence, negotiate, and build collaborative relationships.
Concentration and critical thinking skills to handle complex financial data and analysis.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Honours degree or relevant postgraduate qualification in finance, accounting, or a related field.
Additional training or certifications in NHS finance or healthcare management.
Experience with Access Database or other financial reporting tools.
Familiarity with acute hospital finance and integrated ledger systems.
Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) aligned with NHS standards.

Why Work for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

Competitive Salary and Benefits

Salary band 7: £46,148 to £52,809 per annum, with pro-rata pay for part-time workers.
Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance.
Fixed-term contract of 9 months with potential for extension or further opportunities.
Certificate of Sponsorship available for Skilled Worker visa applicants.

Professional Development and Career Progression

Access to continuous professional development and training programs.
Opportunity to work within a leading NHS Trust committed to innovation in financial management.
Exposure to complex financial management challenges supporting clinical and corporate services.

Inclusive and Supportive Workplace

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a Disability Confident Employer.
Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion across recruitment and workplace policies.
Supportive culture focused on employee wellbeing and personal growth.

Working Environment and Location

This role is based at the Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, with opportunities for flexible and part-time working. The Trust encourages a healthy work-life balance and promotes a collaborative environment where finance professionals play an integral role in delivering effective healthcare services.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 28 May 2025. Applications will be reviewed promptly, and interviews are expected to be held soon after.

When applying, please ensure that your CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential qualifications, skills, and experience criteria outlined in the job description.

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Important Recruitment Information

Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

This role supports Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
Candidates requiring sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome to apply.
Applicants must comply with UK Visas and Immigration regulations, including submission of criminal record certificates where applicable.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

The post requires a DBS check due to the nature of working in a healthcare setting.
This ensures suitability to work with vulnerable populations and compliance with NHS safeguarding standards.

UK Professional Registration

Candidates must hold current UK professional registration where applicable.
Further guidance available via the NHS Careers website.

About the Financial Management Department

The Financial Management Department is central to the Trust’s operational and strategic success. It delivers expert financial advice, budgeting, and reporting to clinical and corporate directorates, ensuring resources are used effectively to enhance patient care.

The team works closely with clinical leaders to translate financial data into actionable insights that support service improvements and sustainable financial performance.

Conclusion: Why This Directorate Accountant Role is a Great Career Move

This position offers a rare and exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading NHS Trusts in a senior financial role that directly impacts patient care delivery and organizational success. With a competitive salary, flexible working options, skilled worker sponsorship, and a commitment to employee development, the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Directorate Accountant role is ideal for finance professionals passionate about healthcare.

If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, apply now and become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in NHS financial management.