Job summary
Role Overview
Royal Free London is seeking a proven Finance Director to lead the execution of its highly ambitious agenda of delivering a best in class Group finance shared service function that is efficient, effective and continuously focussed on exceeding stakeholder expectations.
The successful candidate will be pivotal to delivering an ongoing portfolio of change-related initiatives that enhance operational processes, governance, reporting, oversight and management of the function. They will need to be provide clear and focused leadership, driving a culture of development and excellence across the organisation. Attached candidate briefing document provides more details on our vision, priorities and expectations of this role.
Application timeline
The deadline for on-line CV applications via NHS jobs is: midnight on the 22nd January 2024
Successful candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process commencing 1st February 2024.
How to apply
All applications should include:
- A covering letter explaining why the appointment interests you, how you meet the person specification and what you specifically would bring to the post.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV). The CV should include names and contact details of three referees. References will not be taken without applicant permission.
- Applications should be uploaded via the trusts online application form.
Main duties of the job
The Director of Finance role within Royal Free is a pivotal post with the accountability for building a best-in-class Group Finance function focussed on delivering all financial operational targets and continuously striving to exceed customer expectations. Central to the success of this role is building a culture of high performance, continuous improvement and getting the basics right, whilst operating in a financially challenged and evolving organisation.
The Finance Director post provides leadership for the Group shared service function, providing a core finance service to our local sites and our corporate services teams, encompassing all operational finance activities including financial planning & reporting, corporate finance, financial control, financial performance improvement & development, financial management and partnering.
The post will be responsible for delivering a high quality, effective, professional and efficient service across the organisation including provision of quality financial and performance information to our healthcare colleagues.
About us
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, one of the UK's biggest trusts, was founded in 1828 by William Marsden, to provide free healthcare to those who could not afford medical treatment. The title "Royal" was granted by Queen Victoria in 1837, in recognition of the hospital's work with cholera patients.
Comprised of three London Hospitals - Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and Royal Free Hospital - and many stakeholders including partner hospitals, UCL Partners and the North London Partners Integrated Care Board, its mission is to provide world class expertise and local care and treats approximately 1.6million patients a year. For further information, please see Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Annual Report 2022/23 and watch a recording of the Royal Free London Annual Members Meeting 2023, available on our website.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Further details on the job description and person specification can be found in the candidate briefing document.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Further details on the job description and person specification can be found in the candidate briefing document.
Person Specification
Royal Free World Class
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
- Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace. Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Education & Professional Qualifications
Essential
- CIMA/ICAEW/ACCA Qualified Accountant with substantial post qualification experience at senior level
- Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development
- Educated to degree level and master's level or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Project Management training or certification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in a large and complex organisation, operating at a senior level and working with a Board of Directors
- Experience leading change management and process improvement programmes
- Experience in leading and building high performing functions
- Experience of managing the specification, development and implementation of financial information systems
- Significant Experience leading finance operations including financial services, financial control and cash flow management.
- Knowledge of best practice financial management systems and controls
- Understanding of audit principles, International Accounting Standards and practices
- Experience in staff appraisals and implementing development schemes
- Experience in designing and implementing efficient and effective processes
- Experience in leading a shared service function
Desirable
- Experience of conducting contract negotiations or dispute resolutions with suppliers or customers
Person Specification
Royal Free World Class
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
- Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace. Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Education & Professional Qualifications
Essential
- CIMA/ICAEW/ACCA Qualified Accountant with substantial post qualification experience at senior level
- Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development
- Educated to degree level and master's level or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Project Management training or certification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in a large and complex organisation, operating at a senior level and working with a Board of Directors
- Experience leading change management and process improvement programmes
- Experience in leading and building high performing functions
- Experience of managing the specification, development and implementation of financial information systems
- Significant Experience leading finance operations including financial services, financial control and cash flow management.
- Knowledge of best practice financial management systems and controls
- Understanding of audit principles, International Accounting Standards and practices
- Experience in staff appraisals and implementing development schemes
- Experience in designing and implementing efficient and effective processes
- Experience in leading a shared service function
Desirable
- Experience of conducting contract negotiations or dispute resolutions with suppliers or customers
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
