NHS
Deputy Chief Finance Officer
Go back Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 07 November 2025
We are recruiting a Deputy Chief Finance Officer to join our newly integrated finance team across Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital. This pivotal leadership role supports the Chief Finance Officer in delivering financial governance, strategic planning and business advice across UHN.
You will oversee financial controls, reporting, budgeting and compliance, ensuring efficient resource management and adherence to NHS standards. You'll lead budget-setting, identify cost‑saving opportunities and support service transformation to improve financial efficiency and quality.
As DCFO, you'll manage and develop a high‑performing senior finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. You'll represent UHN within the Integrated Care System, build strong relationships with commissioners and influence national policy.
Key responsibilities
Deputising for the CFO
Leading statutory reporting and financial assurance
Driving productivity and efficiency programmes
Promoting staff development and team performance
This is a new role, offering the chance to shape a future‑focused finance function. Participation in the Director on‑call rota is required.
Main duties of the job The DCFO will provide strategic financial leadership across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, deputising for the Group CFO and supporting financial governance, planning and assurance. Key responsibilities include leading financial sustainability plans, investment strategies and risk management. The role oversees financial controls, statutory reporting and audit relationships, ensuring compliance and transparency.
The DCFO will drive value‑based healthcare, efficiency programmes and system‑wide financial transformation, working closely with Integrated Care System partners and external stakeholders. They will champion inclusive leadership, staff development and the NHS One Finance agenda, fostering a high‑performing, future‑focused finance team.
About us Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications.
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.
Job responsibilities The Deputy Chief Finance Officer (DCFO) is a pivotal member of the Chief Finance Officer’s Senior Leadership Team, supporting the delivery of UHN’s aims and improvements in quality, efficiency and effectiveness, and acts as Deputy Chief Finance Officer, deputising for the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) as and when required.
The DCFO will undertake all duties in line with the requirements of the role to support the CFO in the delivery of:
Financial governance and assurance
Development and implementation of financial strategies
Business and commercial advice across a range of capital and revenue service changes
Providing financial input into strategic decision making at Board level
Preparing reports for the UHN Board, NHS England and regulatory bodies
You will oversee financial controls, reporting, budgeting and compliance to ensure efficient resource management and adherence to NHS regulations.
You will lead on budget‑setting, identifying cost‑saving opportunities and supporting service transformation to enhance financial efficiency while maintaining quality.
You will provide direct line management to the senior finance team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
You will take responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective finance team structure and recruiting, retaining and developing talented individuals to operate within it.
You will be committed to continuous improvement and continue the ongoing support & development of the finance team to ensure it becomes the benchmark within the NHS of a professional, motivated, effective and future‑focused finance team.
You will work closely with colleagues, ensuring that the Trust is well represented within the Integrated Care System, has constructive relationships with commissioners and is influential nationally.
You will provide advice and challenge on business planning cases and drive forward productivity and efficiency programmes. You will model the UHN leadership behaviours to shape culture and service direction. You will secure commitment, lead with integrity, inclusivity and transparency, and promote collaboration, equity and psychological safety.
You will play a key role in ensuring the on‑going financial health and long‑term sustainability of UHN.
You will be responsible for ensuring statutory accounts and returns represent a true and fair view, meet required timescales and legal requirements.
Development of finance colleagues is a fundamental part of the role with a key duty being to promote, support, encourage and develop the team to be the very best they can be. This will be both rewarding and empowering. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer you will foster a culture of continuous development and excellence.
This is a new role, introduced to lead a fully integrated finance directorate across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.
Participation in the Director on‑call rota is a requirement of the role.
Person Specification Education, Training & Qualifications
Educated to Masters level or equivalent level or equivalent experience of working at a senior level in a complex organisation in a healthcare setting (e.g. NHS Trust, NHS Commissioning, NHS England and Improvement)
Professionally qualified accountant (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ACA)
Evidence of continuing professional development
Postgraduate management or other relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g. Masters degree)
Knowledge & Experience
Significant, substantial and extensive post qualification experience at a senior level in a complex organisation in a healthcare setting (e.g. NHS Acute Trust, NHS Commissioner, NHS England and Improvement)
Demonstrable track record operating at, or near board level in complex health care organisation and at scale, with clear evidence of system leadership roles, with the professional credibility and ability to influence Directors and senior managers and clinicians across the health system, and to retain the confidence of regulators and other external stakeholders
Evidence of successful and sustained financial leadership in an environment of organisational change and improvement
Sound understanding of NHS strategic change agenda and political environment
Sound understanding of the commercial environment; and the national healthcare policy and strategic direction
Current knowledge of all aspects of finance, corporate governance and controls assurance
Proven experience of developing and reviewing large scale business cases and capacity plans
Exceptional leadership and communication skills (both verbal and written) with experience of dealing directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
Strong and effective leadership and people management skills. Demonstrable success in building, leading, motivating and developing teams as highly effective people manager.
Expert specialist knowledge of financial and accounting procedures including current legislation and NHS accounting policies
Evidence of supporting complex operational and structural productivity programmes, including reorganisations, and of supporting organisations through ongoing change and development programmes
Working across organisational boundaries in pursuit of shared objectives
Experience of implementing strategy with evidence of monetary savings and innovative ways of working
Substantial experience in management of a complex, multi‑site portfolio
Experience of developing complex capital and revenue business cases (greater than £30m+) in the NHS
Skills
A strong understanding of the healthcare sector, whether gained through the NHS, independent sector or both
Ability to interpret highly complex information (e.g. Annual/Multi Year Planning, Investments and Business cases) and take decisions regarding allocation of resources and risk
Ability to develop and review complex and multi‑year financial models, covering I&E, Balance Sheet, Cash and Capital.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with in‑depth knowledge of techniques for interpreting and presenting complex and sensitive financial and non‑financial management information to a range of audiences
Ability to engage, work with, and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and service improvements
Ability to lead, manage and mentor staff
Collaborative working style with peers, sharing knowledge and being proactive in understanding current issues
Ability to challenge and effectively manage and deal with highly contentious situations and issues
Ability to articulate a strong and coherent vision in a way that inspires and motivates colleagues
Ability to think conceptually and simplify complexity to create clarity and provide direction and focus
Personal values aligned to the Group's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage
Able to organise and prioritise heavy workloads for self and for team
Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
Constructively challenges activities which may not contribute to the delivery of the corporate strategy whilst balancing the importance of being a corporate player
Possesses excellent chair and facilitation skills
Proven ability to deliver presentations and training sessions to audiences within and outside the Trust
Proven ability to operate at strategic level and translate into objectives and action.
Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels
Proven ability to make significant contributions to long term organisational strategy
High level of emotional intelligence. self‑awareness with the ability to keep calm in challenging situations. Able to perform confidently in pressured situations.
Confident, challenging and questioning and prepared to challenge traditional views using empathy, evidence and curiosity. Can constructively challenge and effectively manage conflict to reach a positive conclusion
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.
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The closing date is 07 November 2025
We are recruiting a Deputy Chief Finance Officer to join our newly integrated finance team across Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital. This pivotal leadership role supports the Chief Finance Officer in delivering financial governance, strategic planning and business advice across UHN.
You will oversee financial controls, reporting, budgeting and compliance, ensuring efficient resource management and adherence to NHS standards. You'll lead budget-setting, identify cost‑saving opportunities and support service transformation to improve financial efficiency and quality.
As DCFO, you'll manage and develop a high‑performing senior finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. You'll represent UHN within the Integrated Care System, build strong relationships with commissioners and influence national policy.
Key responsibilities
Deputising for the CFO
Leading statutory reporting and financial assurance
Driving productivity and efficiency programmes
Promoting staff development and team performance
This is a new role, offering the chance to shape a future‑focused finance function. Participation in the Director on‑call rota is required.
Main duties of the job The DCFO will provide strategic financial leadership across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, deputising for the Group CFO and supporting financial governance, planning and assurance. Key responsibilities include leading financial sustainability plans, investment strategies and risk management. The role oversees financial controls, statutory reporting and audit relationships, ensuring compliance and transparency.
The DCFO will drive value‑based healthcare, efficiency programmes and system‑wide financial transformation, working closely with Integrated Care System partners and external stakeholders. They will champion inclusive leadership, staff development and the NHS One Finance agenda, fostering a high‑performing, future‑focused finance team.
About us Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications.
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.
Job responsibilities The Deputy Chief Finance Officer (DCFO) is a pivotal member of the Chief Finance Officer’s Senior Leadership Team, supporting the delivery of UHN’s aims and improvements in quality, efficiency and effectiveness, and acts as Deputy Chief Finance Officer, deputising for the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) as and when required.
The DCFO will undertake all duties in line with the requirements of the role to support the CFO in the delivery of:
Financial governance and assurance
Development and implementation of financial strategies
Business and commercial advice across a range of capital and revenue service changes
Providing financial input into strategic decision making at Board level
Preparing reports for the UHN Board, NHS England and regulatory bodies
You will oversee financial controls, reporting, budgeting and compliance to ensure efficient resource management and adherence to NHS regulations.
You will lead on budget‑setting, identifying cost‑saving opportunities and supporting service transformation to enhance financial efficiency while maintaining quality.
You will provide direct line management to the senior finance team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
You will take responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective finance team structure and recruiting, retaining and developing talented individuals to operate within it.
You will be committed to continuous improvement and continue the ongoing support & development of the finance team to ensure it becomes the benchmark within the NHS of a professional, motivated, effective and future‑focused finance team.
You will work closely with colleagues, ensuring that the Trust is well represented within the Integrated Care System, has constructive relationships with commissioners and is influential nationally.
You will provide advice and challenge on business planning cases and drive forward productivity and efficiency programmes. You will model the UHN leadership behaviours to shape culture and service direction. You will secure commitment, lead with integrity, inclusivity and transparency, and promote collaboration, equity and psychological safety.
You will play a key role in ensuring the on‑going financial health and long‑term sustainability of UHN.
You will be responsible for ensuring statutory accounts and returns represent a true and fair view, meet required timescales and legal requirements.
Development of finance colleagues is a fundamental part of the role with a key duty being to promote, support, encourage and develop the team to be the very best they can be. This will be both rewarding and empowering. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer you will foster a culture of continuous development and excellence.
This is a new role, introduced to lead a fully integrated finance directorate across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.
Participation in the Director on‑call rota is a requirement of the role.
Person Specification Education, Training & Qualifications
Educated to Masters level or equivalent level or equivalent experience of working at a senior level in a complex organisation in a healthcare setting (e.g. NHS Trust, NHS Commissioning, NHS England and Improvement)
Professionally qualified accountant (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ACA)
Evidence of continuing professional development
Postgraduate management or other relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g. Masters degree)
Knowledge & Experience
Significant, substantial and extensive post qualification experience at a senior level in a complex organisation in a healthcare setting (e.g. NHS Acute Trust, NHS Commissioner, NHS England and Improvement)
Demonstrable track record operating at, or near board level in complex health care organisation and at scale, with clear evidence of system leadership roles, with the professional credibility and ability to influence Directors and senior managers and clinicians across the health system, and to retain the confidence of regulators and other external stakeholders
Evidence of successful and sustained financial leadership in an environment of organisational change and improvement
Sound understanding of NHS strategic change agenda and political environment
Sound understanding of the commercial environment; and the national healthcare policy and strategic direction
Current knowledge of all aspects of finance, corporate governance and controls assurance
Proven experience of developing and reviewing large scale business cases and capacity plans
Exceptional leadership and communication skills (both verbal and written) with experience of dealing directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
Strong and effective leadership and people management skills. Demonstrable success in building, leading, motivating and developing teams as highly effective people manager.
Expert specialist knowledge of financial and accounting procedures including current legislation and NHS accounting policies
Evidence of supporting complex operational and structural productivity programmes, including reorganisations, and of supporting organisations through ongoing change and development programmes
Working across organisational boundaries in pursuit of shared objectives
Experience of implementing strategy with evidence of monetary savings and innovative ways of working
Substantial experience in management of a complex, multi‑site portfolio
Experience of developing complex capital and revenue business cases (greater than £30m+) in the NHS
Skills
A strong understanding of the healthcare sector, whether gained through the NHS, independent sector or both
Ability to interpret highly complex information (e.g. Annual/Multi Year Planning, Investments and Business cases) and take decisions regarding allocation of resources and risk
Ability to develop and review complex and multi‑year financial models, covering I&E, Balance Sheet, Cash and Capital.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with in‑depth knowledge of techniques for interpreting and presenting complex and sensitive financial and non‑financial management information to a range of audiences
Ability to engage, work with, and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and service improvements
Ability to lead, manage and mentor staff
Collaborative working style with peers, sharing knowledge and being proactive in understanding current issues
Ability to challenge and effectively manage and deal with highly contentious situations and issues
Ability to articulate a strong and coherent vision in a way that inspires and motivates colleagues
Ability to think conceptually and simplify complexity to create clarity and provide direction and focus
Personal values aligned to the Group's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage
Able to organise and prioritise heavy workloads for self and for team
Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
Constructively challenges activities which may not contribute to the delivery of the corporate strategy whilst balancing the importance of being a corporate player
Possesses excellent chair and facilitation skills
Proven ability to deliver presentations and training sessions to audiences within and outside the Trust
Proven ability to operate at strategic level and translate into objectives and action.
Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels
Proven ability to make significant contributions to long term organisational strategy
High level of emotional intelligence. self‑awareness with the ability to keep calm in challenging situations. Able to perform confidently in pressured situations.
Confident, challenging and questioning and prepared to challenge traditional views using empathy, evidence and curiosity. Can constructively challenge and effectively manage conflict to reach a positive conclusion
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.
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr