Job responsibilities
1. Communication
To work closely with senior managers across the Trust to provide a comprehensive range of expert financial advice, training and support to enable the delivery of corporate services efficiently and economically, as well as ensuring the achievement of all financial targets.
To act corporately and cohesively as part of the overall Trust Finance Function, contributing to its continuous development and improvement.
To always act as a role model, representing the vision and values of the Trust.
Attend meetings and take the lead in presenting and explaining financial information to a diverse range of service managers (both Finance and non-Finance). Given that some of it may be contentious and attract some degree of challenge from the recipients, a knowledgeable and persuasive manner is essential.
To provide expert theoretical and practical knowledge, interpreting a wide range of complex information requiring analysis and comparison, and providing clear explanations and guidance to a wide group of clinicians and managers.
To communicate complex financial information to non-financial managers in a manner that is clear and effective, to facilitate effective decision making.
To provide full support to the Finance Manager and deputise as appropriate.
2. Analytical and Planning
To ensure that the financial records within the general ledger accurately reflect the activities of the care group.
To prepare and maintain accurate financial forecasts, to support decision making and financial planning for the Division or Corporate Directorate, through joint working and liaison with directorate management and clinical/corporate leaders. This will include reporting forecasts of the anticipated yearend financial position.
To review and monitor the accuracy of staffing establishments and exercise effective establishment control through the authorisation of vacancy controls. This will include assisting managers in implementing, operating and reviewing effective systems to control temporary staff expenditure within the available resources.
To manage budget history schedules ensuring they track all budget virements.
To manage the achievement of cost improvement programmes throughout the year, ensuring that budget adjustments are actioned in a timely manner so reporting for areas such as cost improvement plans reconcile to the general ledger.
To respond to complex financial issues and queries from directorate staff, Senior Clinical/Corporate staff and finance colleagues.
To interrogate and utilise a wide range of software systems, including the financial general ledger, Business objects, and advanced Microsoft applications to enhance the financial information and analysis provided to directorate.
To ensure Management Accountants provide appropriate working papers to support all financial entries and assumptions used which are available for audit scrutiny
3. Clinical Duties
Supporting Finance Business Partners in the clinical areas with data and information relating to corporate and clinical services that they require.
4. Policy and Service Development
Ensure awareness of, and compliance with, financial governance, including Trust Standing Orders, Standing Financial Instructions and relevant policies and procedures.
5. Financial and Physical Resources
To provide expert technical advice as appropriate, in relation to accounting policies.
To produce comprehensive procedure notes to support all aspects of the work performed by the Finance Business Partner team and ensure comprehensive procedure notes exist to support all aspects of the work performed.
To assist internal and external auditors and the local counter fraud service in the performance of their duties, providing them with prompt information and explanations as necessary and to assist with ensuring any actions needed are taken to strengthen financial controls.
To comply with budgetary control best practice and Trust Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.
To ensure that efficient and effective financial systems are designed, developed and maintained, to enable accurate and timely reporting of financial information, within agreed deadlines.
To facilitate timely responses to financial queries made under the Freedom of Information Act To undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as requested by the Finance Manager or Senior Finance Business Partner.
6. Staff Management
To assist with the effective management and training of junior finance staff when required. Ensure feedback is development is constructive and supportive of the Management Accountant allocated to your areas. Ensure collaboration with their line manager with the hub contributing to their personnel development and annual appraisal.
7. Information Resources
Work in collaboration with other Finance Managers and Financial Management teams to continuously identify and improve the effectiveness of accounting systems and financial reporting.
Work with their Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Director, as well as the Director of Financial Management to ensure consistency in service and delivery of financial information to services
When necessary deputise for the Finance Manager
Contribute to ad hoc financial projects and undertake any other work commensurate with the role and grade of the post.
