Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Associate Director of Financial Management

The closing date is 05 February 2026

Job summary

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional finance leader to join our senior leadership team as Associate Director of Financial Management. This is a pivotal role with overall responsibility and leadership for the day-to-day operation and strategic direction of the Trusts finance function, supporting the delivery of high-quality mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services across Devon.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, you will lead a large, motivated and skilled finance team, overseeing both operational and strategic finance, procurement and contracts. You will ensure robust financial governance, high-quality business intelligence and timely, accurate reporting to support effective decision-making at all levels of the organisation.

You will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Trusts annual and longer-term financial plans, driving value for money, productivity and sustainability, and upholding contract obligations. While supporting clinical and operational leaders to achieve their objectives. This is an opportunity to influence and lead transformation of financial systems and processes, and make a real difference to the communities we serve.

Main duties of the job

Provide overall leadership and management of the Trusts finance function, including direct line management of senior finance managers and oversight of approximately 30 staff.
Lead on budget management, financial planning, forecasting and reporting, ensuring accurate, timely and meaningful information for the Trust Board, executives and budget holders.
Lead on the oversight of procurement and contract management performance, ensuring best practice, compliance with NHS standards, and achievement of value for money.
Play a leading role in the annual business planning and budget-setting processes, including delivery of Cost Improvement Programmes and medium- to long-term financial plans.
Lead Trust-wide corporate and statutory financial reporting, including Board reports, regulator returns, audited accounts and national costing submissions.
Provide expert business, commercial and financial advice on service developments, capital schemes, bids and tenders.
Drive the development and optimisation of financial systems, including service line reporting and PLICS, supporting improved productivity and patient care.
Ensure robust financial governance, policies and procedures are in place and embedded across the organisation.
Deputise for the Deputy Chief Finance Officer as required and represent the finance function at key committees and forums.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Date posted

23 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£76,965 to £88,682 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-26-0053

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Professional Accountancy Qualifications (CCAB Qualification or CIMA)
Evidence of current and relevant CPD

Desirable

Significant experience as an NHS Accountant in a Senior Management role

Experience

Essential

Experience of working at a senior level within a large organisation
Extensive experience and expertise in financial management, strategic management and transformational management.
Extensive staff leadership experience managing a large group of staff.
Experience of staff training and development.
Performance management experience with an ability to manage conflict priorities
Knowledge and ability to apply and advise on financial regulations and procedures particularly in relation to Foundation Trust Status

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Expert knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, financial and other aspects of legislation and NHS finance policies; experience and expertise in finance management, strategic and staff leadership roles
Specialist knowledge of, and ability to apply and advise others of professional accounting standards
Detailed knowledge of computerised accounting systems and spreadsheet packages
Ability to establish trustful, purposeful relationships both within and outside of the finance department and to command the confidence of Trust Clinicians, Directors, Managers and senior colleagues in partner organisations i.e. ability to transfer knowledge to non financial managers
Energy, resilience and stamina to drive forward change programmes and meet ambitious targets and timelines set
Ability to rapidly assimilate information, think laterally and report/ present information at a strategic level to Clinicians, Directors and Managers in a way which is both relevant and meaningful.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Professional Accountancy Qualifications (CCAB Qualification or CIMA)
Evidence of current and relevant CPD

Desirable

Significant experience as an NHS Accountant in a Senior Management role

Experience

Essential

Experience of working at a senior level within a large organisation
Extensive experience and expertise in financial management, strategic management and transformational management.
Extensive staff leadership experience managing a large group of staff.
Experience of staff training and development.
Performance management experience with an ability to manage conflict priorities
Knowledge and ability to apply and advise on financial regulations and procedures particularly in relation to Foundation Trust Status

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Expert knowledge of financial and accounting procedures, financial and other aspects of legislation and NHS finance policies; experience and expertise in finance management, strategic and staff leadership roles
Specialist knowledge of, and ability to apply and advise others of professional accounting standards
Detailed knowledge of computerised accounting systems and spreadsheet packages
Ability to establish trustful, purposeful relationships both within and outside of the finance department and to command the confidence of Trust Clinicians, Directors, Managers and senior colleagues in partner organisations i.e. ability to transfer knowledge to non financial managers
Energy, resilience and stamina to drive forward change programmes and meet ambitious targets and timelines set
Ability to rapidly assimilate information, think laterally and report/ present information at a strategic level to Clinicians, Directors and Managers in a way which is both relevant and meaningful.