Interim Deputy Director of Finance Interim NEW

Interim Deputy Director of Finance

Location: North East (Hybrid Working)
Sector: NHS / Healthcare
Contract duration: 6 months
Daily rate: Band 8D: £350 – £400 per day Umbrella

We are working with a well-established NHS Foundation Trust in the North East to recruit an experienced Interim Director of Finance to join its senior leadership team.

This is a significant leadership opportunity within an organisation offering the successful candidate the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, driving financial performance and supporting the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Finance, you will act as their deputy, providing strategic financial leadership to the Board, Executive Team and wider organisation.

The role encompasses financial planning, financial management, statutory reporting, governance, financial recovery and the leadership of the Trust’s finance function. You will also work closely with senior stakeholders and system partners to support financial sustainability and organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust’s financial planning, budgeting and forecasting processes, including the development of medium and long-term financial strategies.
• Oversee financial performance, ensuring robust financial management, effective reporting and the delivery of financial targets and recovery plans.
• Lead the preparation of statutory annual accounts, external audit processes and financial submissions, ensuring compliance with NHS reporting requirements.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Board, Executive Team and senior operational leaders, translating complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strengthen financial governance, internal controls and risk management arrangements, ensuring effective financial oversight across the organisation.
• Lead, develop and motivate the finance function, promoting high standards of performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with NHS commissioners, system partners and other external stakeholders to support strategic financial planning and service development.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of Finance at Board meetings, Committees and other senior leadership forums as required.

Essential requirements:

• CCAB-qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience.
• Extensive senior-level finance experience within the NHS, ideally operating at Deputy Director or Director level.
• Strong track record in financial planning, forecasting, financial performance management and the delivery of financial recovery plans.
• Proven experience leading statutory accounts, external audit, financial governance and NHS financial reporting processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of NHS financial frameworks, accounting standards, regulatory requirements and the wider healthcare environment.
• Experience of advising Boards and senior leadership teams, with the ability to communicate complex financial matters to non-finance stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing high-performing finance teams, managing change and delivering organisational improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across complex healthcare systems.