Read the latest finance career story from Olubukola Lewis, Business Unit Accountant at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
My career was shaped not only by what I studied but also by the experiences that exposed me to new possibilities. Although I studied Accounting at university, my professional direction became clearer during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a mandatory one-year service programme in Nigeria for graduates. I was posted to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, where I served as an Accounts Officer. It was there that I gained my first real insight into public finance and government accounting. That exposure sparked a lasting interest in how financial management within the public sector can directly support communities and improve lives. This interest led me to one of the oldest and largest government-owned educational institutions in Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, where financial expertise plays a vital role in enabling high-quality education.
My career began as an Accounts Officer in the Bursary Department at Yaba College of Technology. This role exposed me to the complexities of public finance, which I found both challenging and rewarding. It broadened my perspective beyond my initial interest in auditing and compliance and opened my eyes to the wider opportunities available within finance and accounting.
I later moved into the private sector, working for a multinational financial institution in Lagos, where I led the accounts, finance, and investment functions for over a decade. During this period, I gained extensive experience in loans and investments across several West African countries and completed my ACCA qualification. Despite this progression, I retained a strong desire to return to public finance and contribute to work that has a tangible impact on people’s lives. This aspiration ultimately led me to NHS finance, where financial expertise supports colleagues delivering patient care with passion and purpose.
Current Role
I joined Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in 2023 as a Business Unit Accountant within the Finance Department. Being part of the NHS finance team has provided me with a unique opportunity to contribute directly to an organisation that improves lives every day.
I initially supported the Health and Care Academy, a newly established and forward-looking unit focused on developing the future healthcare workforce through training, apprenticeships, and innovative educational pathways. As a new service, this role required close collaboration with colleagues across disciplines to develop financial forecasts, budgets, and funding models. The experience felt similar to working in a start-up environment and involved contributing to working groups on cohort structures, rebate models, and a joint venture with the University of Sunderland. This role strengthened my financial planning skills and broadened my understanding of education funding within healthcare.
Following the Academy’s transition into the Commercial Activity Business Unit, I gained further exposure to Fleet, Private Patients, and other services. Working in financial management as a Business Unit Accountant is the aspect of my role that I enjoy most. The work is fast-paced and engaging, particularly during month-end reporting, and involves collaboration with a wide range of skilled and motivated colleagues. My responsibilities include costings, forecasting, business case development, budget setting, and performance reviews.
Personal Development
One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in NHS finance is access to the wide range of development opportunities available to those willing to engage. There is a strong network of support, resources, and development programmes that enable individuals to progress and achieve their career goals. I have attended several training programmes that have significantly improved my networking skills, broadened my knowledge of NHS finance, and enhanced my efficiency.
I am fortunate to work alongside talented colleagues who demonstrate the ability to structure and articulate ideas clearly, consider different perspectives, and engage effectively at all levels. Their balanced and informed approach to decision-making is something I continue to learn from and aspire to develop further. Through initiatives such as One NHS Finance, structured development programmes, and regular one-to-one support, I feel well supported in my professional growth. I recognise, however, that career progression requires commitment not only from the organisation but also from me as an individual. Within NHS finance, there is a strong culture of learning, curiosity, and collaboration, with colleagues always willing to support one another’s development.
Work–Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work–life balance is very important to me. I achieve this by prioritising my workload effectively, setting clear boundaries, and ensuring I make time to rest and recharge outside of work. This balance helps me remain focused, productive, and positive in my role.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, which allows me to relax while continuing to learn. I also enjoy taking long walks, which support both my physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, I volunteer to support teenagers, an activity I find particularly fulfilling as it enables me to give back to the community and make a positive difference.
Reflecting on my journey so far, working in NHS finance has reinforced my belief in the importance of public finance as a force for positive change. The role offers continuous learning, meaningful collaboration, and the opportunity to contribute behind the scenes to improved patient outcomes. Supported by strong professional networks and development opportunities, I remain committed to growing within NHS finance and continuing to make a positive contribution to the organisation and the communities it serves.