Head of Financial Services (Band 8B - 8C Development Opportunity)
Closing date: 17 May 2026
Band: 8B (£66,582 - £77,368) → 8C (£79,504 - £91,609)
Hours per week: 37.5 (Full time)
Location: Isle of Wight NHS Trust or Lakeside North Harbour (time at both sites as required, locally agreed)
Contract: Permanent
Are you ready to shape the future of finance across two leading NHS Trusts? Join us at Band 8B with a clear pathway to Band 8C over 12 months.
Main duties of the role
- Lead a team 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
Job 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
12‑Month Development Pathway to Band 8C
Progress will be reviewed every three months against clear milestones. To achieve promotion, you will demonstrate:
- Full understanding of the policies, procedures, 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 external accounting providers (AP, AR, Payroll, Ledger)
- 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 we are 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 work‑life balance
- Free car parking at Lakeside Hub
- Access to 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
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Significant post‑qualification experience
- Evidence of active continuing professional development
- Recognised leadership development programmes
Experience
- Experience of effective partnership working with other organisations at a senior level
- Senior‑level experience within a financial accounting environment
- Evidence of setting and achieving ambitious targets and implementing innovative solutions under tight financial constraints
- Experience managing within a complex health‑service environment at a senior management level
Knowledge
- Can lead, motivate, and inspire others; allowing others to lead where appropriate
- Credible to internal and external stakeholders immediately
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Employs a range of influencing and negotiation strategies
- Works 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 will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.
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