Lead the Way. Lead Finance.
“…good financial management arrangements are essential if NHS bodies are to meet
their objectives and deliver effective healthcare to patients.”
Independent Audit Commission
So it follows that our finance professionals are critical to leading the way throughout
the ongoing NHS transformation and improvement.
We’re focused on shaping aspiring financial leaders into influential leaders, capable
of managing part of a multi-billion pound budget, running our business innovatively,
working alongside colleagues effectively and supporting the delivery of world-class
healthcare.
Our finance graduates are already making an impact, while the commitment and dedication
of trainees is regularly recognised by regional, national and international awards.
Our trainees received a total of 14 CIMA commendations, which is an all time best
(beating 10 last year). Over 32,000 students worldwide completed these CIMA exams
and only 127 commendations were awarded. Six of our trainees were year on year included
in the top 10 world rankings from 32,000 students, and NHS finance trainees’ average
exam marks are often 40% above the CIMA national published average.
The Scheme
Combining practical experience with complementary elements, the scheme offers opportunities
for developing the knowledge, skills and personal qualities essential to successful
future finance directors, executive directors and chief executives. And while the
nature of our organisation continues to evolve, the fundamental role of the finance
director remains the same, though perhaps with changing focus and emphasis.
With this in mind, we continue to review and update the scheme, taking on board
feedback from placement managers, current and ex-trainees, senior finance professionals,
the Independent Regulator, Monitor, and the professional accountancy bodies, CIMA
and CIPFA.
And the practical experience on offer means ample opportunity to achieve full professional
membership of CIMA and CIPFA.
Over two and a half years, you’ll cover a range of activities as part of a continual
learning process and then be able to demonstrate capacity to assume a senior position.
Broad in nature, these activities are designed to be achievable, enabling you to
deliver assessments and reports, appropriate to local needs, and opportunities for
integrated working.
The Finance Director’s role
The finance director’s contribution extends beyond systems and numbers to ensuring
sound decision making on revenue and capital investments, making best use of scarce
clinical and non-clinical resources, proper assessments of benefits and risks; all
to deliver better patient care and better value for money.
The three key responsibilities of the finance director are:
- to provide financial governance and assurance, including a drive for 'best
value'
- to provide business and commercial advice to the Board
- to ensure adherence to corporate responsibilities as an Executive Director
of the Board.
For more information on finance roles within the NHS please visit the NHS Careers website.