Deputy Finance Business Partner

Location: Shrewsbury (with potential hybrid)

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £34 per hour Umbrella or £29 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Healthcare 

Based: Office / Hospital 

Job Purpose

As a senior member of the Finance department, the Deputy Finance Business Partner provides financial advice and information on income and expenditure to Group Management, Service Delivery Managers, and Corporate Managers. The post-holder is responsible for maintaining accurate recurring and non-recurring budgets, producing timely monthly financial management information, and coordinating all financial reporting within the Group. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Advice

• Provide proactive financial management information and advice to ensure the delivery of all Group financial objectives. 
• Interpret and implement changes to the NHS Operating Framework. 
• Lead the budget-setting methodology, process, and output within the Trust-wide framework. 
• Support and challenge budget holders in the analysis, maintenance, and control of budgets. 
• Investigate budgetary variances and agree on corrective actions with management teams. 
• Ensure the Group identifies and achieves Cost Improvement Plans (CIPs), monitoring progress and implementing corrective actions. 

Strategic Support & Planning

• Evaluate and make recommendations on the financial consequences of changes in clinical or service practices. 
• Provide financial input into business cases, including funding sources through the Payment by Results regime. 
• Participate in the Group performance review process and produce comprehensive monthly financial reviews and forecasts. 
• Provide financial input into the Trust’s overall financial planning. 
• Contribute to the strategy of the Finance function alongside the Senior Finance Business Partner and Directors. 

Systems & Training

• Maintain expertise in Oracle Financials and Service Line Reporting. 
• Lead the implementation of training and development programmes for budget holders and non-finance managers. 
• Ensure departmental work programmes fit into organisational information timetables, such as Board reports and annual accounts. 

Leadership

• Manage the Financial Management team, taking responsibility for appraisals, absence recording, and disciplinary issues. 
• Lead and motivate teams or individuals to manage change and achieve organisational goals. 

Person Specification: Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Training

• Fully Qualified member of CCAB (as per HFMA national finance profiles definition). 
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development to enhance core accounting knowledge. 

Experience & Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of specific NHS policies and procedures, such as Payment by Results, Coding, and Patient Choice. 
• Experience providing financial management information and advice to a range of financial and non-financial managers. 
• Experience in business planning, business case preparation, and investment appraisal techniques. 
• Experience leading, managing, and developing individuals and teams. 

Skills & Abilities

• Communication: Ability to summarise highly complex financial issues into concise reports and explain them persuasively to non-financial staff. 
• Analysis: Strong analytical skills to make sound judgements on complex issues where there is imperfect information or no obvious precedent. 
• Relationship Building: Able to develop influential working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. 
• Organisation: Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work to meet tight local and national deadlines. 
• IT: Excellent Microsoft Office skills and knowledge of Oracle Financials.