Chief Finance Officer

Job overview

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an outstanding and visionary Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to join the Trust Board and Executive Leadership Team. This pivotal Board-level role provides strategic leadership for financial stewardship, governance, performance and long-term sustainability across one of the largest NHS organisations in the country.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the CFO will ensure decision-making is supported by high-quality financial intelligence, robust analysis and strong governance. The post holder will play a key role in delivering the Trust's strategic objectives, maximising the effective use of resources and ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining a strong focus on quality of care and patient outcomes.

As a statutory Executive Director, the CFO will work closely with Board colleagues, system partners and national organisations to influence financial strategy across the wider health and care system. The role has responsibility for Financial Services, Procurement and Contract Management, Charities and Voluntary Services, Strategic Projects and Commercial activities, ensuring these functions deliver efficient and responsive services that support outstanding patient care.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance leader with the strategic vision, commercial acumen and system leadership skills to help shape the future of healthcare across Mid and South Essex.

Main duties of the job

The Chief Finance Officer will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to the Trust Board and Executive Team.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's long-term financial strategy, supporting organisational sustainability and growth.
• Ensure robust financial governance, stewardship, risk management and accountability across the organisation.
• Oversee the Trust's financial services, procurement, contract management, charities and commercial functions.
• Lead the development of capital, investment and financing strategies that support organisational priorities.
• Drive value for money, productivity and efficiency through effective resource management and delivery of cost improvement programmes.
• Ensure high-quality statutory reporting, financial accounts, annual reports and regulatory returns.
• Build strong relationships with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, regulators and external partners.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams that promote continuous improvement, innovation and excellence.
• Support system-wide working and collaborative approaches to improve outcomes for patients and communities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Financial management

Provide expert financial leadership to the Board and Executive Team, ensuring financial planning, investment decisions and resource allocation support the Trust's strategic objectives. Lead the development and delivery of long-term financial and capital strategies, ensuring financial sustainability, value for money and effective use of resources. Oversee statutory reporting, governance arrangements, financial controls and performance frameworks to provide assurance to the Board and external stakeholders.

Procurement, Commercial and Corporate Services

Lead the Trust's procurement, contract management, charitable funds, voluntary services and commercial functions. Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, maximise social value and deliver efficient, high-quality corporate services that support operational performance and organisational priorities. Promote innovation and identify opportunities to improve productivity, generate value and strengthen financial resilience.

Leadership, People and Culture

Provide visible and inclusive leadership, fostering a culture where colleagues feel supported, empowered and accountable. Develop high-performing teams, promote talent development and succession planning, and ensure staff have the skills and support required to deliver excellent services. Champion the Trust's values and contribute to creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing organisational culture.

Partnership Working and Stakeholder Engagement

Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, HM Treasury, the Essex Integrated Care Board and other key partners. Represent the Trust within the wider NHS finance community, influencing system-wide financial strategy and supporting collaborative approaches that improve outcomes and deliver long-term sustainability.

Governance, Risk and Assurance

Ensure the highest standards of financial governance, risk management and internal control across the organisation. Contribute to the development of the Trust's assurance framework, oversee audit arrangements and provide assurance to the Board regarding compliance, financial performance and organisational sustainability. Ensure that financial decision-making supports patient safety, service quality and the effective management of risk.