Head of Operational Finance

We are seeking to appoint a Head of Operational Finance to play a critical leadership role within our Finance and Business Services team. Reporting to the Finance and Resources Director, this postholder will take operational responsibility for the financial delivery of HSSIB’s strategic and statutory objectives.
This is a pivotal role that supports the financial planning, management, reporting and control functions across HSSIB. You will ensure robust financial systems, effective compliance with government guidance including Managing Public Money, and deliver timely, high-quality information to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
You will work closely with the Finance and Resources Director to deliver sustainable financial strategies and act as a key source of financial expertise across the organisation. This includes preparing the Annual Report and Accounts, managing in-year forecasts and reporting, contributing to audit processes, and supporting procurement oversight.
The postholder will also line-manage the Finance Support Officer and foster a culture of financial awareness and accountability across the organisation.
- Lead the delivery of monthly and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with HSSIB’s statutory obligations.
- Provide high-quality analysis and advice to support strategic decision-making, working collaboratively with budget holders and senior leaders.
- Maintain and improve robust financial systems and controls, supporting business planning and medium-term financial strategies.
- Ensure compliance with HSSIB’s Standing Financial Instructions and national frameworks including the DHSC Framework Agreement.
- Support the preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts and liaise with internal and external auditors.
- Deputise for the Finance and Resources Director as required, contributing to organisation-wide leadership.
- Line-manage the Finance Support Officer, supporting their development and ensuring effective day-to-day financial operations.

Our people
In order to be successful in our goal of providing professional, high quality healthcare safety investigations and education to the system we understand our people are at the heart of this. The NHS is building a culture that is positive, compassionate, and inclusive - and we all have our part to play.
As a flexible employer, we want to support you to work in a way that is best for the NHS, our patients and you. Talk to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that’s a job share, part time, hybrid working or another flexible pattern. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We strive to ensure our people feel trusted, valued and empowered. We’re passionate about nurturing and developing people.
Important information
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 HSSIB’s 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 HSSIB’s national remit as an Arm’s 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 HSSIB’s 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 HSSIB’s 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 responsibil