Interview Date: 20th November 2026

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer is a senior leadership role within the Finance Directorate and serves as the principal deputy to the Chief Financial Officer.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Trust's finance function and lead the delivery of high-quality financial management , financial governance, financial planning and financial performance.

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer will play a pivotal role in supporting the Trust Board and Executive Team to deliver financial sustainability, operational excellence and long-term organisational success. The postholder will provide leadership across strategic finance, operational finance and corporate finance functions and will be responsible for ensuring that financial planning, performance management, financial control and governance arrangements support the delivery of the Trust's strategic objectives .

The postholder will lead major financial improvement initiatives, including the Trust's Financial Recovery Programme, Cost Improvement Programme, productivity agenda and finance transformation programme. They will act on behalf of the Chief Financial Officer as required and represent the Trust at local, regional and national forums.

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer will provide visible professional leadership across the Finance Directorate, creating a high-performing culture and ensuring that the finance function is recognised as a trusted strategic partner supporting excellent patient care and organisational sustainability.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Corporate Finance) will provide strategic financial leadership and expert advice to the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Team and Trust Board. The postholder will lead the Corporate Finance Directorate, ensuring the effective delivery of the Trust's financial strategy, financial plan and governance responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include leading the production of accurate and timely financial reporting, statutory accounts and regulatory returns; overseeing treasury management, cash flow and working capital; and ensuring strong financial controls and compliance with NHS and statutory requirements. The role will support organisational decision-making through the provision of high-quality financial analysis, risk assessment and strategic recommendations.

The postholder will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including clinical and operational leaders, NHS England, NHS Sussex and system partners, communicating complex financial information and supporting the delivery of financial sustainability and performance objectives.

A major focus of the role will be driving continuous improvement and transformation across Corporate Finance, leading the development of integrated finance services, supporting new operating models and identifying opportunities for digital innovation, automation and process simplification.

The Deputy CFO will provide leadership to senior finance managers and professional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, high performance and continuous improvement. They will play a key role in workforce development, succession planning, talent management and organisational change, ensuring the finance function is equipped to meet future challenges.

Although not directly involved in patient care, the role makes a significant contribution to patient outcomes by ensuring effective stewardship of public resources, supporting sustainable financial decision-making, enabling investment in frontline services and strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of the Trust.

Please see the attached job description for full details of the role.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Jobs

Deputy Chief Financial Officer