Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB)

Head Of Operational Finance

The closing date is 24 July 2025

Job summary

We are seeking to appoint a Head of Operational Finance to play a critical leadership role within our Finance and Business Services team. Reporting to the Finance and Resources Director, this postholder will take operational responsibility for the financial delivery of HSSIB's strategic and statutory objectives.

This is a pivotal role that supports the financial planning, management, reporting and control functions across HSSIB. You will ensure robust financial systems, effective compliance with government guidance including Managing Public Money, and deliver timely, high-quality information to a range of internal and external stakeholders.

You will work closely with the Finance and Resources Director to deliver sustainable financial strategies and act as a key source of financial expertise across the organisation. This includes preparing the Annual Report and Accounts, managing in-year forecasts and reporting, contributing to audit processes, and supporting procurement oversight.

The postholder will also line-manage the Finance Support Officer and foster a culture of financial awareness and accountability across the organisation.

Main duties of the job

Lead the delivery of monthly and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with HSSIB's statutory obligations.

Provide high-quality analysis and advice to support strategic decision-making, working collaboratively with budget holders and senior leaders.

Maintain and improve robust financial systems and controls, supporting business planning and medium-term financial strategies.

Ensure compliance with HSSIB's Standing Financial Instructions and national frameworks including the DHSC Framework Agreement.

Support the preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts and liaise with internal and external auditors.

Deputise for the Finance and Resources Director as required, contributing to organisation-wide leadership.

Line-manage the Finance Support Officer, supporting their development and ensuring effective day-to-day financial operations.

About us

Our people

In order to be successful in our goal of providing professional, high quality healthcare safety investigations and education to the system we understand our people are at the heart of this. The NHS is building a culture that is positive, compassionate, and inclusive - and we all have our part to play.

As a flexible employer, we want to support you to work in a way that is best for the NHS, our patients and you. Talk to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's a job share, part time, hybrid working or another flexible pattern. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We strive to ensure our people feel trusted, valued and empowered. We're passionate about nurturing and developing people.

To ensure this we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Important information

Please note that the vacancy may close early if we receive sufficient applications to shortlist before the advertised closing date.

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

065-HSSIB-7332174

Job locations

Lyttchett House

13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road

Poole

BH16 6FA

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder is a senior individual within Business Services within the Finance team and plays a pivotal role in supporting the operational delivery of HSSIBs financial strategy. They will contribute to the strategic and day-to-day functions and ensure effective delivery of plans, underpinned by robust short- to medium-term financial objectives.

The postholder will ensure organisation-wide financial systems and processes are compliant with statutory responsibilities and the effective delivery of HSSIBs national remit as an Arms Length Body (ALB).

The post holder will develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), external auditors, and other ALBs as required.

They will contribute to the financial reporting and assurance processes, providing high-quality information to the Finance and Resources Director and other stakeholders, including committee papers, management reports and external returns.

They will support the development and maintenance of HSSIBs financial plans, including in-year monitoring, forecasting, and medium-term financial strategy, under the direction of the Finance and Resources Director.

The post holder will contribute to the development of systems and processes that support the wider Business Services Directorate, including financial controls, procurement oversight, and financial risk management.

They will provide technical financial advice in line with best practice, managing public money principles, and HSSIBs framework agreement with DHSC.

The post holder will support the integrity of financial data, ensuring timely and accurate monthly reporting and assisting with financial accounts production.

They will build and maintain positive and constructive relationships with internal stakeholders, including the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with budgetary responsibility. They will contribute to a culture of financial awareness across the organisation through guidance and training.

The post holder may deputise for the Finance and Resources Director where appropriate and will provide line management to the Finance Support Officer, ensuring an effective and responsive finance function.

The post holder is expected to support key tasks relating to monthly budget management, production of management accounts, audit support, preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), and related regulatory and policy compliance activities.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Organisation.

Main Responsibilities

Operational requirements

Work independently and be accountable for a defined area of financial management,.

Support the development and continual improvement of HSSIBs financial systems and tools.

Analyse, interpret and present complex financial data to support effective decision-making.

Identify, communicate and manage financial risks, recommending mitigations.

Represent Finance in internal and external meetings as required, reporting on financial matters and contributing to broader organisational discussions.

Ensure consistency in financial processes and contribute to continuous improvement.

Challenge current processes constructively, promoting improvement and efficiency.

Contribute to development of the financial strategy and support effective communication.

Demonstrate understanding of national financial policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. Managing Public Money, DHSC Framework Agreement).

Support the preparation of HSSIBs annual accounts and working papers.

Liaise with external auditors, DHSC, and internal stakeholders as needed.

Deputise for the Finance and Resources Director when required.

Communication responsibilities

Advise budget holders and provide financial insight to support informed decisions.

Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Provide constructive challenge and demonstrate empathetic leadership.

Convey financial strategy and purpose to a range of stakeholders.

Contribute to financial briefings and presentations to non-finance audiences.

Analytical & Judgement

Analyse complex financial data and make sound recommendations.

Support development of data collection and insight systems.

Balance competing objectives and inform effective resource allocation.

Interpret financial data for both finance and non-finance audiences.

Apply judgement with incomplete data and acknowledge limitations.

Planning and Organisational

Plan own and team workload to meet deadlines and deliverables.

Contribute to financial planning and business strategy development.

Lead implementation of improvements to financial operations.

Support organisation-wide financial projects and risk assessments.

Promote awareness of relevant financial policies and procedures.

Service and Policy Development

Contribute to and uphold HSSIBs financial policies and Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs).

Support implementation of national policies and best practice.

Financial responsibilities

Support the Finance and Resources Director in delivering oversight of HSSIBs budget and financial control.

Provide expert advice to enable sustainable financial management and support any efficiency programmes.

Identify resource gaps or financial risks.

Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and compliance.

Support development and delivery of finance training for non-financial managers.

Operate in accordance with HSSIBs Standing Orders and SFIs.

HR responsibilities

Provide line management to the Finance Assistant, including, regular supervision and 1:1s, annual appraisal and performance management and professional and personal development.

Promote inclusive leadership and diversity in line with HSSIB values.

Provide project-based management.

Encourage knowledge sharing and skills development.

Information Management

Contribute to design and development of financial systems and data reports.

Work with colleagues to ensure financial reporting aligns with wider analytical outputs.

Present complex and sensitive information to varied stakeholders.

Promote financial innovation and share best practice.

Support development of assurance and governance frameworks.

Identify and report financial risks appropriately.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties in line with the role and grade. Participation in annual appraisal and objective-setting is expected. Performance will be monitored accordingly.