Business Unit Accountant

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual to join the finance team at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.

The Business Unit Accountant will provide high quality financial support to the Trusts budget holders and operational management. The post-holder will produce regular budget reports, forecasts, and comprehensive variance analysis to tight deadlines, ensuring that financial issues are pro-actively addressed as well as provide financial support to wider Trust financial initiatives. The role also involves provision of financial advice on business cases and improvement projects along with an active involvement in the finance and procurement improvement programme.

Highly professional and resourceful individuals are sought with a customer focused attitude alongside the ability to balance competing priorities. Highly developed communication skills are essential with the ability and confidence to influence Senior Managers and clinicians across the Trust.

The teams are equipped to work flexibly across the five sites, with the two main bases being at Royal Derby and Burton Hospitals with some home working. Travel between sites is required as and when is needed for meetings.

The successful candidate will be welcomed into our Future Focused Finance accredited level 1 team with a strong focus on wellbeing, collaboration, reflection and continuous improvement. We pride ourselves on the relationships with our stakeholders and adding value.

Main duties of the job

As a key member of the finance team, you will:

• Provide holistic financial support, advice & guidance to a range of different stakeholders.
• Be the first point of call for any finance queries and therefore understand the whole finance function.
• Lead on a pro-active approach to financial forecasting, ensuring that operational stakeholders are fully engaged in the forecasting process.
• Lead on the production of all month-end reporting in line with the Trust’s requirements.
• Conduct detailed analysis of a wide range of data, in order to identify key trends and drivers of cost or income.
• Review reporting processes with a view to continuously improve.
• Support the development of junior members of the team.
• Play a key role in the financial planning process of the business unit(s), with a detailed understanding of the relationship between income & expenditure plans.

To be considered for this role, you must be a qualified accountant or have substantial relevant experience. You would have experience of working within a large and highly complex organisation. You will need to evidence your delivery in core financial management and performance, incorporating analytical review, commercial awareness, and process improvement.

Closing date of applications: 1 November 2026

Interview date: 13 November 2026

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB – this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AI‑generated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers

Important visa information: Due to UK Home Office immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, applicants sponsored under Occupation Code 6131 (Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants) may not be eligible to bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route if their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on or after this date. Applicants are responsible for understanding how these rules apply to their individual circumstances. The Trust cannot provide immigration advice. Further information is available on the Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa

Read about the Health and Care Visa for employing overseas nationals (excluding Irish citizens) under the points-based immigration system.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.