Job summary
The Head of Costing manages the production of patient level costing information for all levels of the trust including trust board, finance committee and SLR information for Directorate teams. This includes overseeing the implementation and ongoing management/development of the Trust's patient level costing system (PLICS). The post holder will identify opportunities for benchmarking and working with other local NHS bodies for PLICS data.
The post holder is a key member of the Trust's multidisciplinary costing group and will work closely with Senior Clinicians and General Managers to analyse the cost drivers attributed to the different elements of patient care to ensure the accuracy of the costing information. Through this process and the review of the SLR information the post holder will help to ensure the trust is working efficiently, effectively and economically in the provision of patient care and providing value for money to the wider NHS economy.
The Head of Costing is responsible for the completion and submission of National Cost Collection within the national guidelines and timescales, incorporating all the costing refinements agreed through the governance process during each year.
Main duties of the job
The Head of Costing will manage a small team and work closely with colleagues in the Finance and Information departments and be responsible for providing monthly information for the Trust Board, Finance Committee and SLR information for the Directorate Teams. This will include a review/deep dive of the information leading to recommendations required to make strategic decisions on current and future service developments and areas of concern/Risk.
To be the Trust expert in NHS Payment by Results (PbR) and to continually review the guidance issued by NHS E/I to ensure the costing principles are being adhered to and that the costing system is updated for any changes to the guidance.
The post holder will have excellent communication skills and be able to discuss financial and technical issues with staff at all levels and all disciplines.
The post holder will ensure a responsive, professional, high quality, customer focused service is provided to all users of the costing information and will support Trust Directors and Managers in delivering their financial and operational targets.
The Head of Costing is responsible for providing accurate and timely cost information on behalf of the Trust in line with Trust and national costing guidance and timetables.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Managerial responsibilities:
Responsible for the delivery of a robust costing system that can be used through the production of SLR reports to support clinical directorates and the finance team to identify efficiencies and ensure value for money is being provided to the NHS.
Responsible for the completion and submission of the Trusts annual National Cost Collection by planning the timetable required for data collection and cost allocations to ensure the submission is made appropriately and in line with national and Trust guidance and timescales. Ensuring all data providers are aware of the timetable and format of the information required.
To be the Trust expert in NHS Payment by Results (PbR) and to continually review the guidance issued by NHS E/I to ensure the costing principles are being adhered to and that the costing system is updated for any changes to the guidance. Updating procedure notes where necessary.
Continually review the quality of data provided/downloaded to the costing system, working closely with Management Accountants and Information staff to constantly improve and enhance the data. Undertaking audits as necessary to both the inputs and outputs of data. Ensuring the data that is provided is in line with current NHS guidance and where necessary making recommendations for improved data capture.
To liaise with internal and external auditors providing evidence and back up of data sources, procedures and methodology used in the supply of information to the board and external agencies.
To work with key operational and clinical staff to continuously improve the Trusts Patient Level Costing (PLICS) system, for example to oversee the routine review of allocations and estimations that are used.
To promote the patient level costing system and its outputs to the organisation, including formal presentation of data when required to large groups of managers and/or clinicians, using relevant presentational aids.
To prepare complex SLR reports to Trust senior executives and the Trust Board regarding the viability of clinical services to inform strategic /executive decisions.
To work with Directors and Managers to provide innovative, comprehensive reports as required (often on an adhoc basis) to meet the needs of Directorate Management Teams, Directors Meetings, ICB contracts, and any other purpose. This may require attending these meetings and presenting this information this may involve presenting complex, sensitive and contentious information to groups of managers and/or clinicians with recommendations for service changes. Skills will be required to negotiate and persuade managers where there are likely to be barriers to their understanding.
Liaise with colleagues in other organisations and using benchmarking tools to improve the accuracy and consistency of costing data and the understanding of methodologies and processes and to implement best practice.
Please see attached job description for more information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Managerial responsibilities:
Responsible for the delivery of a robust costing system that can be used through the production of SLR reports to support clinical directorates and the finance team to identify efficiencies and ensure value for money is being provided to the NHS.
Responsible for the completion and submission of the Trusts annual National Cost Collection by planning the timetable required for data collection and cost allocations to ensure the submission is made appropriately and in line with national and Trust guidance and timescales. Ensuring all data providers are aware of the timetable and format of the information required.
To be the Trust expert in NHS Payment by Results (PbR) and to continually review the guidance issued by NHS E/I to ensure the costing principles are being adhered to and that the costing system is updated for any changes to the guidance. Updating procedure notes where necessary.
Continually review the quality of data provided/downloaded to the costing system, working closely with Management Accountants and Information staff to constantly improve and enhance the data. Undertaking audits as necessary to both the inputs and outputs of data. Ensuring the data that is provided is in line with current NHS guidance and where necessary making recommendations for improved data capture.
To liaise with internal and external auditors providing evidence and back up of data sources, procedures and methodology used in the supply of information to the board and external agencies.
To work with key operational and clinical staff to continuously improve the Trusts Patient Level Costing (PLICS) system, for example to oversee the routine review of allocations and estimations that are used.
To promote the patient level costing system and its outputs to the organisation, including formal presentation of data when required to large groups of managers and/or clinicians, using relevant presentational aids.
To prepare complex SLR reports to Trust senior executives and the Trust Board regarding the viability of clinical services to inform strategic /executive decisions.
To work with Directors and Managers to provide innovative, comprehensive reports as required (often on an adhoc basis) to meet the needs of Directorate Management Teams, Directors Meetings, ICB contracts, and any other purpose. This may require attending these meetings and presenting this information this may involve presenting complex, sensitive and contentious information to groups of managers and/or clinicians with recommendations for service changes. Skills will be required to negotiate and persuade managers where there are likely to be barriers to their understanding.
Liaise with colleagues in other organisations and using benchmarking tools to improve the accuracy and consistency of costing data and the understanding of methodologies and processes and to implement best practice.
Please see attached job description for more information.
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Essential
- CCAB Professional Qualification with relevant experience or qualification by experience (substantial evidence of practical experience of working in a senior costing role for an acute Trust)
- Proficient in the use of all Microsoft software, with advanced skills in Excel
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of using specialist costing software, in particular IQVIA
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Costing Knowledge attained from NHSi Acute Costing Guidance
- Knowledge of NHS Information systems, Data Dictionary, Clinical Coding and HRG standards
- Knowledge of NHS PbR system and guidelines.
- Awareness of new developments in the NHS
- Good understanding of Information governance, Confidentiality & Data Protection Act
- Up to date knowledge of current guidance(NHS) costing/National Cost collection
- Ability to resolve complex information queries and issues where there are a range of potential solutions.
Desirable
- Project management and delivery
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Evidence of past experience of NHS costing guidance and policies
- Experience of NHS acute sector environment.
- Experience of producing SLR data feeds.
- Practical experience of payment by results (PbR)
- Practical experience of producing high level management information and report writing to strict deadlines.
- Experience of costing and pricing of services within the NHS
- Experience of staff management including staff development.
Desirable
- Experience in budgetary control and financial planning
- Experience of managing staff including recruitment
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- Professional positive attitude with organisation and planning skills
- Ability to use own initiative whilst working towards a common goal
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
- The ability to motivate and influence others
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand and interpret complex information
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Interpersonal skills to all levels within the organisation
- Attention to detail.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Adaptable - likes new challenges.
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Essential
- CCAB Professional Qualification with relevant experience or qualification by experience (substantial evidence of practical experience of working in a senior costing role for an acute Trust)
- Proficient in the use of all Microsoft software, with advanced skills in Excel
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of using specialist costing software, in particular IQVIA
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Costing Knowledge attained from NHSi Acute Costing Guidance
- Knowledge of NHS Information systems, Data Dictionary, Clinical Coding and HRG standards
- Knowledge of NHS PbR system and guidelines.
- Awareness of new developments in the NHS
- Good understanding of Information governance, Confidentiality & Data Protection Act
- Up to date knowledge of current guidance(NHS) costing/National Cost collection
- Ability to resolve complex information queries and issues where there are a range of potential solutions.
Desirable
- Project management and delivery
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Evidence of past experience of NHS costing guidance and policies
- Experience of NHS acute sector environment.
- Experience of producing SLR data feeds.
- Practical experience of payment by results (PbR)
- Practical experience of producing high level management information and report writing to strict deadlines.
- Experience of costing and pricing of services within the NHS
- Experience of staff management including staff development.
Desirable
- Experience in budgetary control and financial planning
- Experience of managing staff including recruitment
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- Professional positive attitude with organisation and planning skills
- Ability to use own initiative whilst working towards a common goal
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
- The ability to motivate and influence others
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand and interpret complex information
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Interpersonal skills to all levels within the organisation
- Attention to detail.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Adaptable - likes new challenges.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
