Head of Operational Finance

The post holder is a senior individual within Business Services within the Finance team and plays a pivotal role in supporting the operational delivery of HSSIBs financial strategy. They will contribute to the strategic and day-to-day functions and ensure effective delivery of plans, underpinned by robust short
- to medium-term financial objectives. The postholder will ensure organisation-wide financial systems and processes are compliant with statutory responsibilities and the effective delivery of HSSIBs national remit as an Arms Length Body (ALB). The post holder will develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), external auditors, and other ALBs as required.
They will contribute to the financial reporting and assurance processes, providing high-quality information to the Finance and Resources Director and other stakeholders, including committee papers, management reports and external returns. They will support the development and maintenance of HSSIBs financial plans, including in-year monitoring, forecasting, and medium-term financial strategy, under the direction of the Finance and Resources Director. The post holder will contribute to the development of systems and processes that support the wider Business Services Directorate, including financial controls, procurement oversight, and financial risk management. They will provide technical financial advice in line with best practice, managing public money principles, and HSSIBs framework agreement with DHSC.
The post holder will support the integrity of financial data, ensuring timely and accurate monthly reporting and assisting with financial accounts production. They will build and maintain positive and constructive relationships with internal stakeholders, including the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with budgetary responsibility. They will contribute to a culture of financial awareness across the organisation through guidance and training. The post holder may deputise for the Finance and Resources Director where appropriate and will provide line management to the Finance Support Officer, ensuring an effective and responsive finance function.
The post holder is expected to support key tasks relating to monthly budget management, production of management accounts, audit support, preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), and related regulatory and policy compliance activities. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Organisation. Main Responsibilities Operational requirements Work independently and be accountable for a defined area of financial management,. Support the development and continual improvement of HSSIBs financial systems and tools.
Analyse, interpret and present complex financial data to support effective decision-making. Identify, communicate and manage financial risks, recommending mitigations. Represent Finance in internal and external meetings as required, reporting on financial matters and contributing to broader organisational discussions. Ensure consistency in financial processes and contribute to continuous improvement.
Challenge current processes constructively, promoting improvement and efficiency. Contribute to development of the financial strategy and support effective communication. Demonstrate understanding of national financial policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. Managing Public Money, DHSC Framework Agreement).
Support the preparation of HSSIBs annual accounts and working papers. Liaise with external auditors, DHSC, and internal stakeholders as needed. Deputise for the Finance and Resources Director when required. Communication responsibilities Advise budget holders and provide financial insight to support informed decisions.
Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues. Provide constructive challenge and demonstrate empathetic leadership. Convey financial strategy and purpose to a range of stakeholders. Contribute to financial briefings and presentations to non-finance audiences.
Analytical & Judgement Analyse complex financial data and make sound recommendations. Support development of data collection and insight systems. Balance competing objectives and inform effective resource allocation. Interpret financial data for both finance and non-finance audiences.
Support organisation-wide financial projects and risk assessments. Promote awareness of relevant financial policies and procedures. Service and Policy Development Contribute to and uphold HSSIBs financial policies and Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs). Support implementation of national policies and best practice.
Financial responsibilities Support the Finance and Resources Director in delivering oversight of HSSIBs budget and financial control. Provide expert advice to enable sustainable financial management and support any efficiency programme