Sam’s career in NHS finance highlights the diverse opportunities, professional development, and meaningful impact available within the NHS.
Beginning with A-levels in Mathematics, Geography, and Economics, Sam developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Alongside studying, they gained valuable experience in customer-facing roles, building confidence, teamwork, and communication skills—foundations that continue to support their career today.
Sam went on to achieve a First-Class degree in Accounting and Finance at Sheffield Hallam University before joining the private healthcare sector as a Finance Assistant. This role provided practical experience in financial processes and stakeholder communication, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
A major turning point came with selection for the HFMA Finance Graduate Training Scheme, a nationally recognised three-year programme offering structured placements and full support to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. During this time, Sam rotated across multiple NHS organisations, gaining hands-on experience in key finance functions:
- Management Accounting: Managing budgets, producing forecasts, and supporting decision-making through clear financial reporting
- Financial Planning: Contributing to operational planning and analysing over- and under-spends
- Contracts and Costing: Understanding NHS contracts and reporting on performance
- Financial Accounts: Supporting audits and maintaining accurate balance sheet records
- Income and Costing: Analysing patient-level costs and improving reporting processes using tools such as Excel, Power Query, and SQL
The scheme also provided opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. Sam regularly presented financial information to non-financial colleagues, worked closely with senior leaders, and even mentored newer graduates—demonstrating the NHS’s strong culture of support and collaboration.
Alongside full-time work, Sam successfully completed professional qualifications, becoming an ACCA affiliate, showing that the NHS actively supports career progression and professional development.
Beyond technical work, Sam has contributed to wider organisational initiatives, including leading finance training and promoting staff wellbeing through health and wellbeing programmes—showing how NHS finance roles extend beyond numbers to people and culture.
Now working as a Corporate Business Analyst, Sam plays a key role in linking financial data with strategic decision-making, helping the NHS deliver high-quality patient care efficiently and sustainably.
Why Choose NHS Finance?
Sam’s journey demonstrates that a career in NHS finance offers:
- Structured graduate pathways and funded professional qualifications
- Opportunities to work across different organisations and specialties
- Early responsibility and exposure to senior leadership
- A supportive, collaborative working environment
- The chance to make a real difference to patient care