Director of Finance

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We are proud to provide 'Outstanding' care and be a great place to work.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.

We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.

Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people's own homes.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as 'Good' overall, and 'Outstanding' for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated 'Outstanding' and Eastbourne DGH was rated 'Good' Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.

Job overview

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Director of Finance to play a pivotal leadership role within our Finance Directorate. This is a rare opportunity to join a progressive, ambitious Trust and contribute to financial excellence, organisational transformation, and high-quality patient care across our hospitals and services.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance will help shape the Trust's financial strategy, lead the modernisation of the finance function, and support the development of a resilient, high-performing team. You will act as a visible leader across the organisation, influencing senior stakeholders and representing the Trust at internal and external forums.

We are looking for a leader who can inspire confidence and drive improvement. You will bring:

• CCAB or CIMA qualification (or equivalent) and evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Significant senior leadership experience in complex organisations, ideally within the NHS or wider public sector.
• Proven experience in financial management, governance, planning, and cultural change.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the authority to influence at Board level.
• A commitment to developing people, building strong teams, and living our Trust values.

Main duties of the job

As our Director of Finance, you will:

Strategic Leadership

• Support the CFO in delivering the Trust's financial strategy and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Provide senior financial leadership to Executive Directors, Divisional teams, and system partners.
• Deputise for the CFO at internal and external meetings, committees, and collaboratives.

Finance Function Development

• Lead the transformation and continuous improvement of the finance function.
• Embed modern, digitally enabled financial practices and enhance strategic capability across the team.
• Foster a culture of partnership, customer service excellence, and professional growth.

Performance, Governance & Assurance

• Strengthen financial governance, oversight, and internal control frameworks.
• Provide senior scrutiny of financial plans, risks, and performance improvement activities.
• Support high-quality, timely reporting to the Board and key committees.

Leadership, People & Culture

• Build capability, succession planning, and talent development across finance.
• Champion an inclusive, supportive, learning-focused culture.
• Promote the Trust's values of Kindness, Inclusivity, and Integrity.

System & Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with Sussex Integrated Care System partners.
• Build effective relationships with NHS England, auditors, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice on major programmes, business cases and commercial initiatives

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant (or equivalent).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable criteria

• Additional qualification or current personal and professional development plans bring added value to the role e.g. Leadership training

Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, ideally within the NHS or public sector.
• Demonstrable success in leading finance teams, improving capability, and driving cultural and operational improvement.
• Deep experience of financial management, planning, governance, and performance oversight.
• Experience influencing at Board level and working effectively with executive teams and external stakeholders.

Desirable criteria

• Senior management NHS contracts experience
• Previous relevant commercial experience in the private sector

Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to inspire, develop, and lead teams through change.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building abilities.

Desirable criteria

• Exemplary personal standards of conduct and behaviour

Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Our vision is to be:

• The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.

Our mission is to:

• Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide with healthcare services.

Our strategic objectives are to:

• Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
• Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients' experiences.
• Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.

Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive and
• Well led

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.
Documents to download

• Director of Finance (PDF, 352.6KB)
• Guidance for Applicants - AFC (PDF, 152.4KB)