Associate Director of Finance – Financial Management and Reporting

Associate Director of Finance – Financial Management and Reporting Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Band 8d (£103,102pa - £117,560pa) Full time – 37.5 hours per week South East London Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is seeking an experienced senior finance leader for the role of Associate Director of Finance – Financial Management and Reporting. This is a high-profile role at the centre of the Trust’s financial management, reporting and budgetary control arrangements. Reporting to the Director of Operational Finance, the successful candidate will lead the financial management function, ensuring the Trust has accurate, timely and insightful information to support decision-making across clinical, operational and corporate services. It is an excellent opportunity for a credible and technically strong NHS finance professional who enjoys working closely with senior stakeholders, translating complex financial information into clear advice, and leading teams through a demanding and fast-moving financial environment. The role This position will lead the Trust’s financial management and reporting agenda, ensuring robust processes are in place for budget setting, forecasting, financial performance reporting and financial governance. You will manage a sizeable financial management team, providing leadership across the annual budget cycle, financial planning processes, directorate support, performance reporting and efficiency reporting. Working closely with clinical and operational leaders, you will ensure budget holders receive the advice, challenge and support they need to deliver high-quality, patient-focused and cost-effective services. The role requires someone who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational level, bringing together financial, workforce, activity and performance information to support effective decision-making across the Trust. Key responsibilities The successful candidate will: • Lead the Trust’s financial management function, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders • Develop and implement the Trust’s financial management strategy, aligned to the wider organisational strategy • Lead the annual budget setting process, ensuring budgets are robust, aligned and agreed with clinical and executive leaders • Oversee the production of monthly financial reports, forecasts and performance analysis for senior committees and the Board • Ensure financial reporting identifies key drivers, trends, risks and corrective actions • Provide expert financial advice, support and challenge to directorate and divisional leadership teams • Support the delivery and reporting of efficiency programmes, working closely with the Efficiency Team • Contribute to business cases, strategic projects, service developments and recovery plans • Maintain strong financial governance, controls and compliance with Standing Financial Instructions. • Lead, manage and develop a team of around 25 WTE, creating a culture of accountability, improvement and high performance. • Improve financial management information, reporting tools and processes to support better decision-making. About you We are looking for a senior NHS finance professional with strong financial management, reporting and leadership experience. Applicants should be CCAB or CIMA qualified and able to demonstrate substantial experience within a complex healthcare environment. You will bring strong technical financial skills, sound judgement and the ability to work constructively with clinical, operational and corporate colleagues. You should be able to evidence: • Significant NHS financial management experience at senior level • Experience of leading financial management for a Trust, division or large complex service area • Strong knowledge of budget setting, forecasting, reporting and financial governance • Experience of managing staff and supporting the development of high-performing teams • The ability to analyse complex financial, activity and workforce information and present clear recommendations • Experience of supporting efficiency programmes, business planning or service change • Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to senior and non-finance audiences • The credibility to advise and challenge senior clinical and operational leaders • A collaborative, organised and resilient leadership style • The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight financial reporting deadlines About Lewisham and Greenwich Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust serves a diverse and vibrant population across South East London, delivering a wide range of acute and community healthcare services to over one million residents. The Trust operates from University Hospital Lewisham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, and a network of community sites, and is recognised for its strong clinical services and commitment to integrated care. The local area offers a unique blend of urban energy and green space, with excellent transport links into Central London, a rich cultural scene, and ongoing regeneration across Lewisham, Greenwich and surrounding boroughs. Why apply? This is a standout opportunity for a senior finance leader who wants to play a central role in strengthening financial management, reporting and decision-making across a large and complex NHS Trust. You will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, leading a key finance function and ensuring that clinical and operational teams have the financial insight, support and challenge required to deliver sustainable services. The role offers significant visibility, broad organisational influence and the opportunity to shape how financial management supports performance, planning and service delivery across the Trust. Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is committed to delivering high-quality care for its communities and to creating an environment where staff are supported to develop, contribute and succeed. For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with adrian@mlcpartners.co.uk or apply directly to lewishamandgreenwich@mlcpartners.co.uk