Chief Finance Officer with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Information
University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust is pleased to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates requiring skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. This is a significant opportunity for international finance professionals seeking to advance their careers within the UK’s healthcare sector.
While we can provide sponsorship, applicants must verify their eligibility with UK Visas and Immigration requirements before applying. The sponsorship process involves specific criteria including proof of qualifications, English language proficiency, and relevant experience. We recommend thoroughly reviewing the UK government’s skilled worker visa guidelines.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18) are also subject to this requirement. Detailed guidance is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Job Overview
We have a rare and influential executive leadership opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join our Trust at a pivotal time. As our Chief Finance Officer, you will help drive transformation, ensure long-term sustainability, and support the delivery of safe and effective care for the population we serve.
The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is the executive lead for all financial strategy, stewardship, and performance within the Trust. As a key member of the Trust Board, the CFO ensures the organisation remains financially sustainable while delivering safe, high-quality patient care. The role provides strategic leadership across finance, procurement, contracting, and financial governance.
The CFO leads the development of the Trust’s financial strategy, annual financial plan, and medium-term financial forecasts, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet activity demands, transformation priorities, and statutory duties. They oversee robust financial controls, risk management, and reporting processes, enabling transparent decision-making and maintaining public accountability.
About University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern hospital trusts in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and are highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research.
We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales, providing critical care services to a large population. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery is matched by our dedication to staff development and creating an inclusive workplace environment.
At UHNM, we believe that investing in, supporting, and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population we serve. We create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent.
Role Responsibilities
The CFO is responsible for leading and developing a high-performing finance function, fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. They act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive and Board, providing expert insight on financial risks, opportunities, and strategic investment decisions.
The role encompasses strategic financial leadership across the entire organisation, ensuring compliance with NHS regulatory frameworks and supporting the Trust’s long-term clinical and operational objectives. The CFO will oversee the development and implementation of financial strategies that balance financial sustainability with the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for a comprehensive understanding of the key responsibilities of the role. Additional resources and background materials about UHNM are available on our dedicated application site.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Leading the development of financial strategy and annual financial plans
- Overseeing financial controls, risk management, and reporting processes
- Providing strategic financial advice to the Board and Executive team
- Managing the finance, procurement, and contracting functions
- Ensuring compliance with NHS regulatory frameworks
- Leading transformation initiatives and service improvements
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications
- Fully qualified Accountant with ongoing membership of their professional body (CCAB or other equivalent)
- Postgraduate level management qualification
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Senior board level experience in a large, complex and dynamic organisation
li>Extensive experience of strategic development and delivery at senior level
li>Achieved results in difficult financial climate in an organisation with limited opportunities to increase profit/income
li>A demonstrable commitment to partnership working and organisational development
li>Experience of leading the implementation of service improvement including complex change management programmes
Desirable Qualification
- Experience of managing risk associated with service change
Personal Attributes
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li>Ability to participate in the ‘Strategic on Call Rota’
li>Able to secure and retain the trust and confidence of colleagues through professional conduct
li>Ability to balance short-term needs within a long-term strategic framework
li>High level of personal resilience and ability to work under considerable pressure
How to Apply
Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please submit your application through the NHS Jobs website. International applicants should ensure they have all required documentation ready before beginning the application process.
For International Applicants
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li>Verify your eligibility for UK skilled worker visa sponsorship with the employer
li>Prepare proof of professional qualifications and certifications
li>Ensure you have criminal record certificates from all countries where you’ve resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years
li>Prepare evidence of English language proficiency if required
li>Contact Emily Hilton, Head of Recruitment, with any questions about the sponsorship process
Contact Information
For questions about the job or the sponsorship process, please contact:
Emily Hilton (Head of Recruitment)
Email: emily.hilton@uhnm.nhs.uk
Phone: 01782676631
Terms and Conditions
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration if applicable. For further information, please refer to the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals.
The University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust is committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.
About Stoke-on-Trent
The Royal Stoke University Hospital is located in Stoke-on-Trent, a city in Staffordshire with excellent transport links to major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and London. The area offers affordable living costs compared to other major UK cities, good schools, and a range of cultural and recreational amenities.
The Trust operates across two main sites – Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford – providing healthcare services to approximately three million people across the North Midlands and North Wales region.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 12 April 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the recruitment process may take time, especially for international candidates requiring visa sponsorship.
Equal Opportunities
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.
Further Information
For more information about our Trust, please visit our website at https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk. You can also find our privacy notice and additional details about working at UHNM on our website.
We support our international staff with relocation assistance where possible and offer comprehensive onboarding programs to help you settle into your new role and life in the UK.
