Director of Finance
Job Description
Job summary
The Director of Finance is the GPSUs Chief Finance Officer, responsible for the organisations overall financial strategy, statutory financial duties, and longterm financial sustainability. As a member of the Executive Team, the postholder provides authoritative leadership on financial governance, commercial development, organisational risk, and systemwide financial collaboration
The Director of Finance will oversee a complex and growing financial portfolio, including multimillionpound budgets, multientity structures, commercial income streams, and strategic investment decisions. They will ensure the GPSU remains financially resilient, compliant with all statutory and NHS requirements, and equipped with highquality financial insight to support strategic decisionmaking
Working closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leadership team, the postholder will shape the organisations future direction, lead financial transformation, and drive value for shareholder practices and system partners
Main duties of the job
About us
The GP Support Unit (GPSU) exists to champion, support, and amplify general practice in Somerset. Acting as an extension of the practice team, we help GPs and primary care professionals navigate challenges, embrace innovation, and thrive. Through collaboration, shared expertise, and hands-on support, we deliver high-quality services that reduce burden, unlock system value, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Trusted by practices and recognised across the Somerset system, the GPSU is here to make general practice stronger now and into the future
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Act as the GPSUs Chief Finance Officer, providing strategic leadership on all financial matters.
Lead the development and delivery of the organisations long term financial strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and Somerset system priorities.
Serve as a full member of the Executive Team, contributing to organisational strategy, culture, and performance.
Provide expert advice to the CEO and Board on financial strategy, investment, risk, and organisational sustainability.
Lead financial aspects of organisational transformation, growth, and diversification.
Statutory & Regulatory Accountability Act as the organisations named statutory financial officer, ensuring full compliance with Companies House, HMRC, NHS England, and audit requirements.
Oversee the preparation and submission of annual accounts, statutory returns, and financial statements.
Ensure robust arrangements for financial probity, fraud prevention, anticorruption controls, and compliance with all legal obligations.
Lead the organisations relationship with internal and external auditors.
Financial Management & Reporting Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, reserves, and investment strategy.
Produce timely, accurate monthly management accounts and Board level financial reports.
Lead the annual budget setting process and monitor performance against plan.
Ensure the organisation maintains strong financial controls, policies, and procedures.
Provide financial modelling and scenario planning to support strategic decision making.
Governance, Assurance & Risk Act as the Executive Lead for financial governance, risk management, and assurance.
Lead the Audit & Risk Committee, ensuring effective oversight of financial risk, internal controls, and compliance.
Maintain a comprehensive organisational risk register, ensuring appropriate mitigation and escalation.
Provide assurance to the Board on financial sustainability, risk exposure, and organisational resilience.
Commercial & Business Development Lead the organisations commercial strategy, including pricing models, income generation, and financial evaluation of new opportunities.
Oversee financial aspects of bids, tenders, and business cases, ensuring commercial viability and alignment with strategic priorities.
Develop and maintain financial models for new services, partnerships, and investment proposals.
Support the CEO in developing new income streams and expanding the GPSUs commercial portfolio.
Operational & Contractual Oversight Oversee financial aspects of service contracts, subcontracts, partnership agreements, and systemwide programmes.
Ensure accurate and timely invoicing, income tracking, and financial reconciliation.
Lead financial due diligence for new partnerships, acquisitions, or structural changes.
Ensure financial compliance across all operational activities.
System Leadership & Collaboration Represent the GPSU at Somerset system finance forums, working closely with ICB finance leads, PCNs, practices, and partner organisations.
Influence systemwide financial strategy, resource allocation, and collaborative planning.
Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, ensuring the GPSUs financial voice is heard at system level.
Leadership & Organisational Development Establish and provide leadership to the finance function, ensuring high standards of performance, capability, and professional development.
Support operational managers to understand and manage budgets effectively.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high performing organisational culture.
Deputise for the CEO when required.Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Advanced financial analysis, modelling, forecasting,
- and scenario planning skills
- Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non financial audiences
- Strong leadership, influencing, and relationship building skills at senior/executive level
- Ability to develop and implement financial strategy in a complex, multi stakeholder environment
- Strong understanding of financial governance, audit,
- risk management, and internal controls
Desirable
- Knowledge of Somerset system structures,
- commissioning arrangements, and primary care
- landscape
- Experience with digital finance systems used in NHS or
- public sector settings
- Expert understanding of NHS financial frameworks,
- contracting, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications
Essential
- CCAB qualified accountant CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent
- Evidence of ongoing CPD and professional development
- Degree in finance, business, economics or related field
Desirable
- Additional leadership or governance qualifications
Other requirements
Essential
- Right to work in the UK
- Flexible to attend in-person meetings/events across Somerset
- Willingness to travel within the county as required
Experience
Essential
- Executive level financial leadership experience
- Proven track record of strategic financial planning and managing multi-million pound budgets
- Experience producing high quality financial reports for Boards, audit committees, and regulators
- Experience leading statutory reporting, audit processes, and financial governance
- Experience leading statutory reporting, audit processes, and financial governance
- Experience leading financial aspects of organisational growth, transformation, or commercial development
- Experience leading bids, tenders, pricing models, and commercial income generation.
Desirable
- Experience within a GP Federation, PCN, or ICB provider collaborative
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