Head of Financial Planning

Head of Financial Planning, Corporate Reporting & Projects

Finance Department | NHS Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced senior finance leader to join our Trust as Head of Financial Planning, Corporate Reporting & Projects. Reporting to the Head of Financial Management and accountable to the Chief Financial Officer, you will play a pivotal role in leading financial planning, corporate reporting, governance, and strategic financial projects across the organisation.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the Trust-wide annual budget setting process and financial planning cycle.
• Deliver annual planning submissions and regulatory returns to NHS England and the ICB within required timescales.
• Develop medium- and long-term financial models, including rolling forecasts, sensitivity analysis, and underlying position reporting.
• Present complex financial information to Finance Committee, Management Executive and Trust Board.
• Lead financial governance of the Trust’s efficiency programme, ensuring schemes are realistic, risk-rated and effectively monitored.

Corporate Reporting

• Direct the monthly financial reporting and forecasting cycle, ensuring accuracy, integrity and compliance with deadlines.
• Produce high-quality reports for Trust Board, Finance Committee and external stakeholders.
• Maintain robust budgetary control systems and audit trails.
• Support year-end accounts and analytical review processes.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation and development of financial reporting tools and systems.

Projects & Strategy

• Lead finance input into major Trust projects and strategic business cases.
• Coordinate performance reporting on project initiatives to Board and external bodies.
• Influence divisional planning to align with Trust strategy and financial sustainability objectives.
• Provide financial training and support to non-finance managers.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Line manage and develop senior finance staff.
• Build strong relationships with clinicians, senior managers and external stakeholders.
• Influence, challenge and support operational leaders to improve financial performance.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified CCAB accountant (ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA) with active CPD.
• Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant senior-level financial management experience within a large, complex organisation (NHS experience desirable).
• Proven experience in budget setting, forecasting, financial modelling and management accounting.
• Experience presenting complex financial information to Board-level stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Ability to communicate complex financial issues clearly to non-finance audiences.
• Highly analytical with advanced financial modelling capability.
• Strong report writing and verbal reasoning skills.
• Politically astute with the ability to influence senior managers and clinicians.
• Resilient, proactive and able to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgement and strategic thinking.

This is a senior leadership role requiring credibility, technical excellence and the ability to drive financial performance and governance across the Trust.
If you are an experienced NHS finance leader ready to make a strategic impact, we would welcome your application.