Finance Manager 

JOB PURPOSE

Serve as the lead financial specialist for the assigned Division(s), delivering a comprehensive financial and performance management service alongside operational managers and the Divisional Finance Business Partner.

Provide expert business and financial advice to influence decision-making across divisional operational and budget managers.

Direct and manage support staff to deliver divisional financial and performance objectives.

Oversee regular financial/non-financial performance reporting, budget setting, annual planning, efficiency savings (CIPs), and business case evaluations.

Deputise for the Finance Business Partner when required.

Location: Shrewsbury (hybrid is considered)

Job Type: Temporary 

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

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £29 per hour Umbrella or £26 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 

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts and performance information within Trust deadlines.
• Process complex financial data, calculate accruals, prepayments, and month-end adjustments maintaining compliance with IFRS and Trust procedures.
• Prepare monthly variance reports and year-end financial projections.
• Present complex financial reports to Divisional Board meetings, group forums, and budget holders.
• Support annual statutory accounts production, coordinate stocktakes, and address audit queries.

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead the annual budget-setting process for divisional specialties, producing budget booklets and securing formal budget holder agreements.
• Ensure divisional budgets align with agreed overall control totals.
• Identify financial threats/risks and collaborate with managers to agree on financial recovery plans.
• Quantify and track Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs), service development proposals, and capital bids.

Financial Control, Business Cases & Contracting

• Perform financial appraisals for business cases using investment appraisal techniques.
• Assist in negotiating Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and supplier contracts to optimize income and value for money.
• Lead financial evaluations on tender submissions.

Governance & Systems

• Advise and train budget holders on Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs), Standing Orders, and Governance policies.
• Ensure robust internal controls are active to mitigate financial loss and fraud risks.
• Assist with national policy compliance (e.g., Payment by Results) and national reference cost returns.

Staff Supervision

• Day-to-day management, task delegation, recruitment, performance evaluation, and professional development of junior finance staff (Assistant Finance Managers / Financial Management Assistants).

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• GCSE Grade 5–9 (A*–C) in English & Maths.
• A-Levels (300+ UCAS points) OR Degree (Level 2.2 or higher).
• Fully qualified member of CCAB OR close to completing CCAB qualification.

Desirable:

• Fully CCAB Qualified.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• Significant financial management experience within a large, complex organisation.
• Hands-on experience in business planning and investment appraisal techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of financial/management accounting standards including IFRS.
• Desirable:
• Knowledge of NHS targets, performance frameworks, and NHS finance policies (e.g., Payment by Results).
• Analytical: Ability to interpret and manipulate highly complex financial data.
• Communication: Ability to present and explain complex, sensitive, or contentious financial data clearly to non-finance staff.
• Interpersonal: Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills to influence decision-making.
• Work Organization: Capability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks under pressure, and meet strict deadlines.
• IT Competence: High proficiency in financial LEDGER systems, advanced MS Excel formulas, spreadsheet design, and databases.