Assistant Director of Finance - Financial Strategy & Improvement

For enquiries regarding the role, please email Jason Matthews (Deputy Chief Finance Officer) via jason.matthews@nhs.netAbout The RoleWant to lead one of the most important portfolios in our Trust and see your work translate into better care and financial sustainability?We are seeking a visionary and experienced finance professional to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Director of Finance Financial Strategy and Improvement. This pivotal role will drive our organisations financial planning, embed robust governance and champion a culture of continuous financial improvement across the Trust.We’re Looking For Someone WhoIs a qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experienceIs aspiring to progress to a future Deputy CFO or CFO roleHas a strong track record of leading on strategic financial planningHas a sharp diagnostic skill set to be able to use benchmarking data to target opportunitiesHas the ability to engage with clinician and operational leaders to target financial improvement opportunities and assemble workplansMain dutiesReporting To The Deputy Director Of Finance, You WillLead on the development of sustainable medium term financial plans aligning them to operational strategies and the Trust’s long-term goals to support strategic decision makingLead the Trust-wide financial improvement programme, ensuring robust governance, delivery of workstreams and measurable outcomesCollaborate with executive and operational teams to identify efficiency opportunities, improve productivity and optimise resource allocationProvide expert financial advice and analysis to the Board, Executive Team, and operational leadersPlease refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.QualificationsEssential person specification requirementsFully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, or ACCA).Significant post-qualification experience with ongoing professional development.ExperienceExtensive senior-level finance experience within the NHS.Proven track record of leading major programmes and service transformation projects.Experience collaborating with Executive Directors, Operational Directors, and Clinical Leads.Knowledge and AwarenessIn-depth understanding of NHS financial management, budgeting, and planning processes.Current knowledge of accounting standards, NHS productivity and benchmarking methods.Familiarity with emerging NHS strategies, operating frameworks, and government white papers.Strong awareness of political, regulatory, and statutory requirements affecting NHS organisations.Skills And AbilitiesExceptional leadership and motivational skills, with experience managing teams and performance.Strong analytical ability to interpret complex financial data and make strategic financial judgements.Excellent communication skillsable to explain complex financial information to non-finance audiences and handle sensitive discussions.Skilled in developing and implementing financial policies, procedures, and transformation initiatives.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly in data manipulation and analysisPlease refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.Be part of MY teamWe are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 11,000 staff work in patients’ homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.Application GuidanceWe understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.Our BenefitsAccess to the NHS pension planGenerous holiday allowance of 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with 5 and 10 years of serviceExceptional employee health and wellbeing servicesExtensive benefits and support, including:Onsite nurseries and childcare salary sacrifice schemeCycle to work schemeHome electronics schemeCar lease salary sacrifice schemeWorking carers support and advice, carers network and carers passportFlexible working options and family and carer-friendly policiesEstablished staff networks, including LGBTQ+ and Race EqualityCareer progression, training and supportSkilled worker sponsorshipYou can find out more about skilled worker and health and care visas on our .