Senior Finance Officer (COS Available) At Swansea Bay University Health Board

Location: United Kingdom | Salary: £26,928 – £29,551 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Application Deadline: 01 June 2025

Overview: Join a Leading NHS Finance Team in Wales

Are you a motivated finance professional looking to advance your career within the NHS? Swansea Bay University Health Board invites applications for the role of Senior Finance Officer to join their dynamic Operational Finance Team (OFT). This position offers a unique chance to work in a forward-thinking NHS environment that prioritizes staff development, agile working, and innovative financial management practices.

With a salary range of up to £29,551 and a permanent contract, this role is suitable for those seeking stability and career growth in a vibrant healthcare setting. Importantly, a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is available, making this opportunity accessible for skilled international candidates.

Why Choose Swansea Bay University Health Board?

Swansea Bay University Health Board is one of the UK’s largest healthcare providers, known for its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. The Health Board supports professional development and offers extensive training opportunities. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to enhance your skills, this environment fosters growth through on-the-job learning and formal qualifications, including accountancy certifications.

The Health Board is also committed to flexible and agile working practices, allowing employees to balance productivity with personal well-being. Agile options mean you can discuss working arrangements that best suit your lifestyle, including hybrid or office-based working.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Finance Officer Role

As a Senior Finance Officer, you will play a vital role within the Operational Finance Team, supporting the Health Board’s budgetary and financial management processes. Your responsibilities will include:

Financial Advice and Support

Providing accurate and timely financial advice to Service Groups, Corporate Directorates, and the Finance Business Partnering teams.
Assisting with budget monitoring, control, and reconciliation processes aligned with NHS financial policies.

Financial Reporting and Administration

Managing the monthly financial reporting process according to the Health Board’s Financial Control Procedures (FCPs) and Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs).
Maintaining the accuracy of income, expenditure, and budget data within the financial ledger.

Budget Management and Variance Analysis

Monitoring performance against delegated budgets and analysing expenditure variances.
Liaising with budget holders and Finance Business Partners to ensure financial targets are met.

Month-End Close and Financial Ledger Maintenance

Executing delegated month-end closedown processes and ensuring compliance with NHS financial deadlines.
Proactively maintaining ledger data and supporting the monthly closedown timetable.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Essential Qualifications

Minimum 5 ‘O’ Levels/GCSEs including Mathematics and English.
NVQ Level 4, AAT Technical Level, or equivalent relevant experience.

Desirable Qualifications

Customer Care Training.
Welsh language skills (Welsh and English speakers equally welcome).

Professional Experience

Proven experience working within a team environment, ideally in finance or NHS settings.
Proficient with IT applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with NHS financial systems and packages is highly advantageous.
Comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing home and office working.

Key Competencies and Abilities

Strong understanding of technical accounting principles and NHS financial procedures.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build effective working relationships.
Highly motivated with professional standards and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Strong planning and prioritisation skills to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing work demands.

Additional Role Requirements

Ability to travel within the geographical area of Swansea Bay University Health Board as required.
Willingness to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in line with NHS recruitment policies.
Support for candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available.

Work Environment and Agile Working Policy

Swansea Bay University Health Board embraces modern work practices, including agile working, to enhance employee productivity and wellbeing. Agile working involves flexible working hours, remote work options, and a balanced approach to office presence. This approach helps staff manage their personal and professional lives more effectively.

All roles within the Operational Finance Team consider agile working as a default, but candidates preferring traditional office-based roles are equally supported.

About Swansea Bay University Health Board

As one of the largest healthcare organizations in the UK, Swansea Bay University Health Board offers a broad range of career opportunities beyond finance. Staff come from diverse backgrounds including nursing, medicine, health sciences, therapies, and various support services.

The Health Board values inclusivity and is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applications regardless of sex, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or maternity status. Their core values—Caring for Each Other, Working Together, and Always Improving—reflect their commitment to a supportive and collaborative workplace culture.

Benefits of Working with Swansea Bay University Health Board

Competitive Salary: Agenda for Change Band 4, with salary progression based on experience and qualifications.
Professional Development: Support for further education and professional qualifications.
Agile Working: Flexible work arrangements promoting work-life balance.
Inclusive Culture: A diverse and supportive work environment.
Comprehensive NHS Benefits: Including pension schemes, health and wellbeing programs, and generous leave entitlements.
Career Growth: Opportunities to rotate through finance functions and gain broad experience.

How to Apply for the Senior Finance Officer Position

Interested candidates should submit their application before the closing date of 01 June 2025. Ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and motivation for joining Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Apply Here

What Makes You an Ideal Candidate?

To succeed as a Senior Finance Officer within the NHS, you will need:

A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
Strong numeracy and analytical skills with attention to detail.
Confidence in using financial software and Microsoft Office tools.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
Commitment to NHS values and continuous improvement.
Adaptability to agile working practices and changing priorities.

Certification and Compliance Requirements

This role requires a standard NHS Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations. If you require a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, note that the Health Board will assist with this process, subject to eligibility.

Since April 2017, skilled worker applicants must provide criminal record certificates for countries they have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. Ensure you review these requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Welsh language proficiency required?

No. Welsh language skills are desirable but not mandatory. Both Welsh and English speakers are encouraged to apply.

Can I work remotely?

The Health Board supports agile working, so flexible remote and hybrid working options are available. Discuss your preferences during the recruitment process.

Is this role suitable for international candidates?

Yes. A Certificate of Sponsorship is available for skilled workers needing visa support to work in the UK.

What professional development support is provided?

The Health Board supports ongoing learning through on-the-job training, rotations, and financial support for accountancy qualifications.

Explore More Career Opportunities in NHS Finance

Working as a Senior Finance Officer at Swansea Bay University Health Board can be your gateway to a fulfilling NHS finance career. With clear pathways to senior finance roles, management positions, and specialist financial advisory functions, the NHS offers a stable and rewarding career.

You can explore roles such as:

Finance Business Partner
Senior Financial Analyst
NHS Budget Manager
Costing and Contracting Officer
Finance Project Lead

Final Thoughts: Why This Role Is Perfect for You

If you are seeking a permanent, full-time NHS finance role that offers professional growth, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference in public healthcare, this Senior Finance Officer position is ideal. Join Swansea Bay University Health Board and be part of a forward-looking team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Apply today to start your rewarding career in NHS finance and contribute to delivering excellent healthcare services in Wales.