Finance Manager

Finance Manager
JOB PURPOSE
Serve as the lead financial specialist for the assigned Division(s), delivering a comprehensive financial and performance management service alongside operational managers and the Divisional Finance Business Partner.
Provide expert business and financial advice to influence decision-making across divisional operational and budget managers.
Direct and manage support staff to deliver divisional financial and performance objectives.
Oversee regular financial/non-financial performance reporting, budget setting, annual planning, efficiency savings (CIPs), and business case evaluations.
Deputise for the Finance Business Partner when required.
Location: Shrewsbury (hybrid is considered)
Job Type: Temporary
Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension
Proposed start date: ASAP
Pay Rates: Up to £29 per hour Umbrella or £26 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay
Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Sector: Healthcare
Based: Office / Hospital
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Reporting & Accounting
Produce accurate monthly management accounts and performance information within Trust deadlines.
Process complex financial data, calculate accruals, prepayments, and month-end adjustments maintaining compliance with IFRS and Trust procedures.
Prepare monthly variance reports and year-end financial projections.
Present complex financial reports to Divisional Board meetings, group forums, and budget holders.
Support annual statutory accounts production, coordinate stocktakes, and address audit queries.
Financial Planning & Budgeting
Lead the annual budget-setting process for divisional specialties, producing budget booklets and securing formal budget holder agreements.
Ensure divisional budgets align with agreed overall control totals.
Identify financial threats/risks and collaborate with managers to agree on financial recovery plans.
Quantify and track Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs), service development proposals, and capital bids.
Financial Control, Business Cases & Contracting
Perform financial appraisals for business cases using investment appraisal techniques.
Assist in negotiating Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and supplier contracts to optimize income and value for money.
Lead financial evaluations on tender submissions.
Governance & Systems
Advise and train budget holders on Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs), Standing Orders, and Governance policies.
Ensure robust internal controls are active to mitigate financial loss and fraud risks.
Assist with national policy compliance (e.g., Payment by Results) and national reference cost returns.
Staff Supervision
Day-to-day management, task delegation, recruitment, performance evaluation, and professional development of junior finance staff (Assistant Finance Managers / Financial Management Assistants).
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
GCSE Grade 5–9 (A*–C) in English & Maths.
A-Levels (300+ UCAS points) OR Degree (Level 2.2 or higher).
Fully qualified member of CCAB OR close to completing CCAB qualification.
Desirable:
Fully CCAB Qualified.
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Significant financial management experience within a large, complex organisation.
Hands-on experience in business planning and investment appraisal techniques.
In-depth knowledge of financial/management accounting standards including IFRS.
Desirable:
Knowledge of NHS targets, performance frameworks, and NHS finance policies (e.g., Payment by Results).
Analytical: Ability to interpret and manipulate highly complex financial data.
Communication: Ability to present and explain complex, sensitive, or contentious financial data clearly to non-finance staff.
Interpersonal: Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills to influence decision-making.
Work Organization: Capability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks under pressure, and meet strict deadlines.
IT Competence: High proficiency in financial LEDGER systems, advanced MS Excel formulas, spreadsheet design, and databases