Head of Financial Governance and Strategic Investments


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£94,356 to £108,814 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Oxford, OX4 2GQ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	21 Oct 2026
Closing date:	4 Nov 2026

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Summary

1. Financial Governance, Controls and Assurance Lead the development, maintenance and embedding of Trust-wide financial governance, assurance and control frameworks, including Standing Orders, Standing Financial Instructions, Scheme of Delegation and related policies. Provide expert advice to senior leaders, Audit Committee and Trust Board on financial governance, assurance, risk and controls. Prepare and present committee papers and advise on complex governance matters, balancing compliance, operational requirements, audit expectations and financial risk. 2. Audit, Counter Fraud and External Scrutiny Act as senior finance lead for internal audit, external audit and counter fraud, providing strategic oversight and escalation of key issues. Provide assurance on the effectiveness of audit and counter fraud arrangements. Oversee the Value for Money assessment, Management Representation Letter and finance input to external assurance processes. Ensure recommendations are tracked, followed up and embedded appropriately. 3. Annual Report, Accounts and Technical Assurance Lead the production, coordination and quality assurance of the Trusts Annual Report and Accounts, including governance, narrative reporting, financial disclosures and compliance with national requirements. Work with senior finance colleagues to ensure clear accountability for accounts production, technical accounting and audit evidence. Ensure significant accounting judgements are appropriately evidenced, reviewed and approved. Provide senior review and challenge on complex technical accounting matters. 4. Investment Oversight, Business Cases and Benefits Realisation Lead Finances approach to investment oversight, business case governance and benefits realisation across significant capital, revenue, transformation and strategic investments. Provide senior financial challenge on affordability, options, risk, opportunity cost and benefits. Challenge assumptions, financial models and benefits claims, exercising professional judgement on complex or sensitive proposals. Oversee consistent investment reporting, risk escalation and post-implementation review. Ensure service teams retain ownership of delivery while receiving appropriate financial guidance and assurance. 5. Financial Value Optimisation Lead the identification and delivery of financial value opportunities across accounting treatment, VAT and tax, capital and revenue classification, balance sheet management, financing and financial structuring. Maintain a quantified pipeline of opportunities, assessing compliance, risk, deliverability and financial benefit. Assess the impact of changes in accounting standards, NHS guidance and VAT or tax requirements. Develop internal capability where this can safely reduce reliance on external advice. 6. Finance Systems, Data and Digital Enablement Provide senior leadership for finance systems and digital enablement, ensuring systems, data and reporting support effective governance, control, auditability, resilience and decision-making. Oversee systems governance, supplier relationships, business continuity, authorisation and system controls. Ensure access, controls and continuity arrangements are proportionate to financial risk. Support increased use of Power BI, automation, AI-enabled analysis and digital processes where these improve insight, efficiency, control or service quality. 7. Risk Management, Business Continuity and Corporate Leadership Lead financial risk management across Finance, including oversight of the Finance risk register and appropriate escalation. Lead Finance business continuity and resilience arrangements. Contribute as a senior Finance leader to directorate strategy, workforce sustainability, succession planning and improvement programmes. 8. Leadership and People Management Lead and manage teams across governance, assurance, systems, investment, technical finance and value optimisation, including objectives, appraisal, performance, workforce planning and development. Promote strong governance, accountability, professional judgement, continuous improvement and collaborative working. Provide professional leadership beyond the immediate team, influencing senior colleagues and strengthening financial controls and decision-making. Represent Finance and the Trust on complex and sensitive financial governance, assurance, systems and investment matters. Act as a senior role model for inclusive, professional and accountable leadership, supporting resilience, succession planning and capability development.

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