Go back Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Head of Financial Services (Band 8B - 8C Development Opportunity)

The closing date is 19 October 2025

Location: Based at either the Isle of Wight NHS Trust or Lakeside North Harbour, with time spent at both sites as required to be agreed locally

Contract: Permanent

Are you ready to shape the future of finance across two leading NHS Trusts? Bring your leadership, technical expertise, and passion for innovation to Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. Were seeking a dynamic finance professional to join us at Band 8B, with a clear, supported pathway to Band 8C over 12 months.

Main duties of the job

By joining our shared Financial Services team, youll:

• Lead a talented, passionate group covering Financial Accounts, Financial Systems, Cashiers, and Overseas Visitor Officers
• Drive continuous improvement across statutory accounts, audit liaison, counter-fraud, cash, VAT, capital, and leasing accounting
• Work within Oracle and Shared Business Services (SBS) frameworks
• Report directly to the Assistant Director of Financial Services & Reporting and collaborate closely with both Finance Directors

Starting Role Responsibilities (Band 8B)

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial accounting operations
• Prepare statutory annual accounts and governance reports
• Liaise with internal audit, counter-fraud teams, and external auditors
• Manage cash flow, VAT, capital, and leasing accounting
• Ensure effective use and integration of SBS and Oracle financial systems
• Provide hands-on leadership to the Financial Services team

About us

Our vision for Single Corporate ServicesIsle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) have a shared vision of a single corporate service across our two organisations, supported by a single set of identical systems and processes, under joint leadership, to drive significant efficiencies, improve employee experience, and return time to patient care.

This vacancy is part of the Single Corporate Services Division.

Why are we changing the way we deliver Corporate Services?Working as a partnership, both IWT and PHU have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this. The creation of a single corporate service is essential for us to support our clinical and operational services, and our wider transformation programme.

The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation. You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally.

Job responsibilities

12-Month Development Pathway to Band 8C

Well review progress every three months against clear milestones. To achieve promotion to Band 8C, you will demonstrate:

• A full understanding of the policies, procedures, deliverables, controls, and objectives of the entire Financial Services team
• Leadership and oversight of statutory returns and governance statements, ensuring timeliness and accuracy
• In-depth knowledge of the financial interface between both Trusts and the external Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Ledger provider
• High level technical accounting expertise in Capital, VAT, Pensions, and Audit, aligned with the latest guidelines and conventions
• A visible, personable leadership style that unites teams across multiple sites

Who Were Looking For

• Fully CCAB qualified finance professional
• Track record of innovation and continuous service improvement
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and team-building skills
• Ability to thrive in a matrix structure and lead cross-organisational projects
• Creative problem-solver with a commitment to outstanding service delivery

What We Offer

• Competitive NHS Band 8B starting salary, with progression to Band 8C upon meeting development milestones
• NHS Pension Scheme and Blue Light Discounts & Benefits
• 27 days annual leave rising to 33 days with service, plus bank holidays
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements and excellent worklife balance
• Free car parking at Lakeside Hub
• Access to an on-site gym, heated pool, nursery, and wellbeing facilities
• Lease car scheme, season ticket loans, and extensive staff discounts
• Structured Learning & Development opportunities and staff networks
• Staff recognition schemes and a strong Health & Wellbeing programme

As a large acute hospital, there are many opportunities for development and are encouraged, you will be given excellent benefits as well. We warmly welcome your application. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Smith at steve.smith41@nhs.net. We look forward to hearing how you'll drive financial excellence across our Trusts.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Significant-Post Qualification Experience
• Evidence of active continuing professional development
• Recognised Leadership Development programmes

Experience

• Has experience of effective partnership working with other organisations at a senior level.
• Experience at a senior level within a financial accounting environment.
• Can demonstrate evidence of setting and achieving ambitious targets and of implementing innovative solutions designed to improve services within tight financial constraints.
• Has experience in managing within complex health service environment at a senior management level.

Knowledge

• Can lead, motivate and inspire others, and allow others to lead if appropriate.
• Is immediately credible to internal and external stakeholders.
• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Can employ a range of influencing and negotiation strategies.
• Can work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues.
• Demonstrates ability to self-manage workload and complexity to operate effectively.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust