Finance Project Manager

As a Finance Project Manager, you will lead the financial planning and execution of major transformation projects, most notably the implementation of a new financial ledger system. You’ll manage project budgets, ensure financial compliance, drive efficiencies, and collaborate with multi-functional teams across the organisation to ensure delivery of strategic objectives.

Location: Guildford / Hybrid-2 days from home

Job Type: Temporary 

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

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £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 

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Develop and oversee project financial plans and budgets.
• Forecast expenditure and identify revenue/cost-saving opportunities.
• Conduct financial feasibility studies and risk analysis.
• Support strategic financial planning, including 5-year integrated financial plans.

2. Project Execution & Monitoring

• Manage financial resources to meet key project milestones.
• Track actual vs. forecasted expenditures and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams using structured PM methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2).

3. Ledger Implementation

• Lead setup and configuration of a new financial ledger system.
• Map financial workflows and integrate with HR, procurement, and other systems.
• Oversee data migration, reconciliation routines, and user training.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS and NHS finance reporting standards.

4. Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with internal departments (IT, HR, Procurement) and external vendors.
• Present financial updates and performance reports to senior leadership.
• Engage cross-functional teams to ensure shared understanding and alignment.

5. Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to statutory financial obligations and internal policies.
• Improve systems of control and conduct post-implementation reviews.

6. Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor finance team members and analysts.
• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support wider Finance team continuity in cases of vacancy or absence.

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Finance & Information teams, Service Managers, Clinical/Client Directors
• External: NHS/private partners, suppliers, auditors, technical and contract consultants

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Health Economics.
• CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent (part-qualified or fully qualified).
• At least 5 years of financial experience, with 2–3 years in healthcare or project roles.
• Experience with financial systems such as Oracle, SAP, Unit4, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports for varied audiences.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree or MBA (Finance/Healthcare/Project Management).
• Experience in NHS or private healthcare environments.
• Knowledge of estates/infrastructure funding or care model costing.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and explain complex financial data to non-finance audiences.
• High attention to detail, strong time management, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Proven leadership and influencing abilities.