Read the latest finance career story from Nimitha Jose, Financial Management Trainee at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust below.
Background Information
My name is Nimitha, and I am currently in my third year studying BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Manchester Metropolitan University. Alongside my studies, I have recently started my role as a Financial Management Trainee at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, where I am part of a structured 24‑month rotational training programme.
This role represents the foundation of my long‑term career within NHS finance. It allows me to apply academic knowledge to real‑world financial decision‑making in a sector that directly impacts people’s lives. Through exposure to different finance functions, I aim to develop a strong professional identity within the NHS and grow into a finance professional who adds long‑term value to healthcare services.
Career Path
My journey into NHS finance has been shaped by both planning and exploration. From an early stage, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance, driven by my interest in problem‑solving, analytical thinking, collaboration, and understanding how organisations operate strategically. Choosing the NHS as a sector was a decision that developed over time.
I came to the UK to pursue my undergraduate degree and gain international exposure, which allowed me to explore various finance career pathways. Initially, my focus was on accountancy and finance as a discipline rather than a specific sector, following an interest developed during my A‑levels. Throughout university, I gained experience through internships, virtual simulations, and insight programmes with organisations such as JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and PwC. These opportunities helped me understand corporate finance environments and clarify my career goals.
Over time, I realised that while the corporate sector offered strong prospects, financial success alone was not my primary motivation. I wanted my work to have a tangible societal impact. This led me to explore public sector finance, where effective financial management directly supports service delivery and outcomes. It also reinforced my decision to pursue ACCA as my professional qualification, which I see as a long‑term investment in my development.
Although NHS finance was not something I initially considered, further research highlighted the strategic role finance plays within the NHS. The opportunity to operate within a complex system where financial decisions directly influence patient care strongly aligned with my values. The Trust’s support for ACCA qualification further strengthened my decision, and I plan to begin my studies after completing my degree.
Working within a mental health trust has been particularly meaningful. Mental health services play a critical role in building resilient communities, and it is motivating to know that my role indirectly supports improved mental health outcomes. One early challenge was understanding the complexity of NHS funding systems, but with support from a welcoming team, this quickly became a valuable learning experience.
Current Role
As a Financial Management Trainee, I am part of a rotational programme designed to build a strong foundation across key areas of NHS finance, including management accounting, financial accounting, and income, costing, and planning.
I am currently working in the Income, Costing and Planning Department, where I am developing an understanding of how financial and activity data inform both strategic and operational decision‑making. My responsibilities include supporting income analysis and costing exercises, undertaking variance analysis during month‑end reporting, completing reconciliations, working with income contracts, inputting journals, and assisting with financial reports.
Through this role, I am gaining insight into how patient activity translates into income and how financial planning supports long‑term sustainability. I am building confidence in interpreting complex data and presenting it clearly to decision‑makers. I am particularly keen to increase engagement with non‑finance colleagues, as understanding operational context is essential for effective financial support. I am also excited about my upcoming rotations, especially management accounting, which has always interested me because of its analytical and proactive nature. The encouragement to take ownership of my work has been especially motivating as an early‑career professional.
What I enjoy most is seeing how finance underpins healthcare delivery. Accurate income, costing, and planning are vital for effective resource allocation and improved patient outcomes. I enjoy problem‑solving and working with data, which keeps me motivated and engaged.
Skills and Development
Support from colleagues has been central to my development so far. The culture of openness, feedback, and encouragement to ask questions has helped me settle into the role and progress quickly. The emphasis on curiosity has been especially important in navigating a complex organisation like the NHS.
Through my studies and professional experience, I have developed strong analytical and technical skills and am proficient in Excel, Power BI, SAP, and Sage. Working with real NHS data has highlighted the difference between academic theory and professional practice and motivated me to further develop my analytical and reporting capabilities.
The NHS’s emphasis on continuous professional development closely aligns with my long‑term goals. Opportunities such as ACCA study support, finance networks, training programmes, and initiatives like the Value Maker programme are particularly appealing, and I plan to engage actively throughout my career.
Work–Life Balance
Balancing my final year of university with a trainee role has strengthened my time‑management skills and resilience. Maintaining a sustainable work–life balance is important to me, and the NHS’s flexible working culture supports this well. Outside of work, I enjoy watching films, exploring different cuisines, fitness, gaming, and relaxing, which helps me stay focused and motivated.
Reflection, Future Aspirations, and Advice
Securing a place on the NHS Financial Management Trainee Programme is one of my proudest achievements and marks the beginning of a career with purpose, development, and progression. The rotational structure will help me identify my strengths and determine my long‑term finance pathway.
My immediate goal is to successfully complete the programme and qualify as an ACCA accountant. In the longer term, I aspire to specialise in management accounting and financial planning within the NHS, contributing to financial sustainability and service improvement. I also hope to progress into a role where I can influence strategic decisions and support future trainees.
For anyone considering a career in NHS finance, my advice is to remain curious, open‑minded, and authentic. Develop both technical and interpersonal skills, stay confident in your values, and recognise the opportunities within the NHS to make a genuine difference.
Key qualities for success in NHS finance: adaptability, attention to detail, curiosity, resilience, and a genuine desire to create positive impact.
Personal Favourites
Favourite Film: Kill Bill
Favourite Book: The Secret- Rhonda Byrne
Favourite TV Shows: Breaking Bad, Peaky Blinders
Favourite Food: My mom’s Biriyani and a Cheeseburger
Favourite Website: Reddit