Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award winning
Financial Management team at CDDFT.
We are seeking a motivated and ambitious Associate Care
Group Accountant who wants to make a real impact, support high quality patient
care, and contribute to the Trusts strong financial leadership.
You will be joining us at a constructive and forward looking
moment. As part of our continued commitment to excellence, we are strengthening
our finance function. This is a stable, supportive team with experienced
leaders, clear direction, and a strong focus on staff development.
You will support the delivery of high quality financial
insight, analysis and reporting that informs decision making and helps ensure
strong financial stewardship.
You will benefit from an inclusive and welcoming
environment, ongoing professional development and the flexibility of our agile
working approach. We are proud to be the first organisation in the North East
to achieve Level 3 accreditation under One NHS Finance, and to hold CIMA
Premier Partner, ACCA Approved Employer (Gold) and AAT Employer Scheme
statusreflecting our commitment to developing our people and building a
vibrant, forward-thinking team
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will work alongside the Care Group
Accountant, within a smaller team of 5 or 6 people, to provide a comprehensive
financial management and business advice service to Clinical Care Groups.
The role will support the Care Group Accountant, Associate
Director of Financial Management and Care Group budget managers to meet their
overall service and business objectives within the resources allocated to them
and to ensure corporate finance responsibilities are delivered.
To supervise, manage and motivate the financial management
team to ensure delivery of high quality and timely financial advice &
information.
To participate in the continuous improvement of the
financial management team.
In order to apply, you should be CCAB passed finalist or
have significant equivalent NHS financial management experience. You will have
excellent numerical and analytical skills and possess the ability to work
autonomously, achieve deadlines and prioritise workloads of yourself and the
team.
Significant experience in Microsoft Excel and a
good understanding of general ledger accounting software would be an advantage
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Associate Clinical Care Group Accountant will support
the Care Group Accountant in the delivery of financial planning and control,
financial performance and financial reporting for a section of the care groups
budget allocation.
In the discharge of his/her duties the post holder will be
expected to communicate closely and effectively with care group & other
service managers, as well as with other equivalent members of other NHS or
external agencies. The post holder will represent the care group accountant at
sub committees of the care group as directed.
To provide advice to the Care Group
Managers, Care Group Accountant, Department Heads and other staff in the Care
Group, on the financial and economic implications of management policy and
action, suggesting and implementing financial policies and procedures as
required in line with the Trusts constitution, standing financial instructions
and scheme of delegation.
To
oversee the monthly reporting process and ensure relevant deadlines are met
including ensuring financial systems and processes are maintained to a high
standard e.g. procedure notes are in place and monitored on a regular basis
To work
alongside other Associate Care Group Accountants to review, develop and
maintain systems of reporting financial performance ensuring a culture of
continuous improvement exists at all levels in the department contributing to
increased productivity, quality and usefulness of financial & business
advice & information to divisional teams.
Day-to-day
management of the financial management team, taking a lead with their
appointment, development, training and education. This will involve carrying out annual
appraisals giving advice and guidance on their career development, other issues
including professional training.
To attend
regular meetings with Care Group staff as required, including deputising for
the Care Group Accountant.
To
regularly monitor, report and advise on the current & forecast financial
performance of the Care Group, challenging and influencing Care Group Managers
when required, to ensure the achievement of financial targets through the
development & implementation of agreed action plans.
To
provide financial support, during the Care Groups business planning and
contracting process. This will involve analysing and interpreting financial
data and making judgements on the financial and economic effects of
developments - both revenue, capital and advising on any potential efficiencies
and risks.
To lead
the Care Groups annual budget setting process, supporting the Care Group
Accountant in ensuring that Divisional
plans and objectives are achievable within resources allocated, including the
identification of necessary improvement in levels of efficiency and that these
are reflected in well developed cost improvement action plans.
To
contribute to the development of the financial skills and business awareness of
clinical staff in order to maximise the potential for improvement in clinical
quality, operational efficiency & financial performance resulting from
decisions made at divisional level.
To
support the information requirements of key financial returns such as :- completion of statutory returns, final
accounts, Monitor plans and returns, freedom of information requests, liaison with internal/external audit etc.
To
provide support to the Contracting and Development team in the annual costing
submission(s) and to effectively utilise and improve the trusts patient level
costing tool by supporting the care
group in identifying variation to explore efficiencies.
To
perform any other duties as may be delegated from time to time. The post holder
will be expected to work as part of the overall finance department and will be
expected to develop a close working relationship with other Finance Staff.
The post holder will be required to work, liaise and
communicate with a wide range of individuals and teams within the trust from
all levels of seniority, and from all professional backgrounds, up to trust
board level.
There will be regular contact with users of the service out
with CDDFT Finance and the post holder must establish effective working
relationships with key personnel of varying seniority.
The post holder will be expected to work within the wider
financial community as required and join appropriate network groups.
The post holder will attend meetings as required and will be
expected to prepare and present reports for staff at all levels.
The post holder must adhere to all Trust confidentiality
policies and procedures
The post holder will be expected to follow the
principles of being a Great Line Manager and specifically be aware of,
understand, and apply fair employment policies/practices, and equality and
diversity principles and legal obligations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Associate Clinical Care Group Accountant will support
the Care Group Accountant in the delivery of financial planning and control,
financial performance and financial reporting for a section of the care groups
budget allocation.
In the discharge of his/her duties the post holder will be
expected to communicate closely and effectively with care group & other
service managers, as well as with other equivalent members of other NHS or
external agencies. The post holder will represent the care group accountant at
sub committees of the care group as directed.
To provide advice to the Care Group
Managers, Care Group Accountant, Department Heads and other staff in the Care
Group, on the financial and economic implications of management policy and
action, suggesting and implementing financial policies and procedures as
required in line with the Trusts constitution, standing financial instructions
and scheme of delegation.
To
oversee the monthly reporting process and ensure relevant deadlines are met
including ensuring financial systems and processes are maintained to a high
standard e.g. procedure notes are in place and monitored on a regular basis
To work
alongside other Associate Care Group Accountants to review, develop and
maintain systems of reporting financial performance ensuring a culture of
continuous improvement exists at all levels in the department contributing to
increased productivity, quality and usefulness of financial & business
advice & information to divisional teams.
Day-to-day
management of the financial management team, taking a lead with their
appointment, development, training and education. This will involve carrying out annual
appraisals giving advice and guidance on their career development, other issues
including professional training.
To attend
regular meetings with Care Group staff as required, including deputising for
the Care Group Accountant.
To
regularly monitor, report and advise on the current & forecast financial
performance of the Care Group, challenging and influencing Care Group Managers
when required, to ensure the achievement of financial targets through the
development & implementation of agreed action plans.
To
provide financial support, during the Care Groups business planning and
contracting process. This will involve analysing and interpreting financial
data and making judgements on the financial and economic effects of
developments - both revenue, capital and advising on any potential efficiencies
and risks.
To lead
the Care Groups annual budget setting process, supporting the Care Group
Accountant in ensuring that Divisional
plans and objectives are achievable within resources allocated, including the
identification of necessary improvement in levels of efficiency and that these
are reflected in well developed cost improvement action plans.
To
contribute to the development of the financial skills and business awareness of
clinical staff in order to maximise the potential for improvement in clinical
quality, operational efficiency & financial performance resulting from
decisions made at divisional level.
To
support the information requirements of key financial returns such as :- completion of statutory returns, final
accounts, Monitor plans and returns, freedom of information requests, liaison with internal/external audit etc.
To
provide support to the Contracting and Development team in the annual costing
submission(s) and to effectively utilise and improve the trusts patient level
costing tool by supporting the care
group in identifying variation to explore efficiencies.
To
perform any other duties as may be delegated from time to time. The post holder
will be expected to work as part of the overall finance department and will be
expected to develop a close working relationship with other Finance Staff.
The post holder will be required to work, liaise and
communicate with a wide range of individuals and teams within the trust from
all levels of seniority, and from all professional backgrounds, up to trust
board level.
There will be regular contact with users of the service out
with CDDFT Finance and the post holder must establish effective working
relationships with key personnel of varying seniority.
The post holder will be expected to work within the wider
financial community as required and join appropriate network groups.
The post holder will attend meetings as required and will be
expected to prepare and present reports for staff at all levels.
The post holder must adhere to all Trust confidentiality
policies and procedures
The post holder will be expected to follow the
principles of being a Great Line Manager and specifically be aware of,
understand, and apply fair employment policies/practices, and equality and
diversity principles and legal obligations.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within a finance function
- Experience of using computerised finance systems; General Ledger & report writing software.
- Experience of Microsoft Office software applications
- Experience in advising finance and non finance managers on matters relating to their own area, providing detailed advice and guidance;
- Knowledge, experience and expertise in finance management and staff management.
Desirable
- Exposure to working mid- management level
- Experience of working within NHS finance
- Good understanding of the performance management and financial framework within the NHS.
- Experience/Knowledge of the NHS Financial regime, including capital accounting, the payment by results process, costing and information processes within the NHS.
- Knowledge / experience of recruitment, appraisal, delegation, training, staff discipline and relevant HR policies and procedures
- Experience of using Oracle General Ledger and Discoverer
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Communication & Relationship Skills
- Able to advise finance and non finance managers on matters relating to their own area, providing detailed advice and guidance;
-
- The ability to advise, influence and negotiate with staff at all levels within and outside the Trust. This will include the presentation of complex financial and non financial information to non financial managers, occasionally in large groups.
- Understands, and can effectively convey current financial concepts clearly and persuasively.
- Analytical & Judgement Skills
- Ability to produce and analyse business cases, including the development and appraisal of options, to optimise the allocation of resources.
- Planning & Organisation Skills
- Ability to plan and manage the workload of own team, to ensure workload is delivered to a high quality within deadlines.
- Governance and Risk Management
- Advises others on compliance with the Corporate Governance Manual (e.g. Standing Financial Instructions, Scheme of Delegation, Standing Orders) and applies the principes of accountability, transparency, integrity and the public good to all activitied eithin own area
- Supervises others in their compliance with financial policies and procedures
- Support and promotes strong financial management culture and develops finance skills and knowledge of governance issues
- Customer Focused Business Advice
- Has a wider awareness of the organisation and its position in the marketplace and uses this to challende processes and data in order to make improvements.
- Supports in the generation and interpretation of financial information to assist the Care Group understand itself more fully
- Identifies and implements opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of services provided within own role/team and finance department as a whole.
- Using Information Technology
- Uses IT to gather, interpret and manipulate information to meet the needs of the Care Group
- Mental & Physical Attributes
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to cope with rapid and sustained change
- Capable of working independently
- Able to work under pressure and deliver high quality work within challenging deadlines
- Interpersonal Skills
- Clear and effective communication and presentation skills.
- Good people management skills team working, motivation & delegation.
- Good influencing, analytical and negotiation skills
- Good written communication skills
Desirable
- Knowledge / experience of recruitment, appraisal, delegation, training, staff discipline and relevant HR policies and procedures
- Experience/knowledge of the NHS financial regime, including capital accounting, payment by results process, costing and information processes within the NHS.
- Experience of Oracle general ledger and Microsoft Office
Special Requirements
Essential
- A commitment to the continuous development of the finance department to be innovative and to constantly seek new ways of working / improving performance.
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of this post
Qualifications
Essential
- CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or passed finalist or significant equivalent NHS Financial Management Experience
Desirable
- CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or passed finalist.
- Clear Plan of working towards CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or evidence of continued professional development
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within a finance function
- Experience of using computerised finance systems; General Ledger & report writing software.
- Experience of Microsoft Office software applications
- Experience in advising finance and non finance managers on matters relating to their own area, providing detailed advice and guidance;
- Knowledge, experience and expertise in finance management and staff management.
Desirable
- Exposure to working mid- management level
- Experience of working within NHS finance
- Good understanding of the performance management and financial framework within the NHS.
- Experience/Knowledge of the NHS Financial regime, including capital accounting, the payment by results process, costing and information processes within the NHS.
- Knowledge / experience of recruitment, appraisal, delegation, training, staff discipline and relevant HR policies and procedures
- Experience of using Oracle General Ledger and Discoverer
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Communication & Relationship Skills
- Able to advise finance and non finance managers on matters relating to their own area, providing detailed advice and guidance;
-
- The ability to advise, influence and negotiate with staff at all levels within and outside the Trust. This will include the presentation of complex financial and non financial information to non financial managers, occasionally in large groups.
- Understands, and can effectively convey current financial concepts clearly and persuasively.
- Analytical & Judgement Skills
- Ability to produce and analyse business cases, including the development and appraisal of options, to optimise the allocation of resources.
- Planning & Organisation Skills
- Ability to plan and manage the workload of own team, to ensure workload is delivered to a high quality within deadlines.
- Governance and Risk Management
- Advises others on compliance with the Corporate Governance Manual (e.g. Standing Financial Instructions, Scheme of Delegation, Standing Orders) and applies the principes of accountability, transparency, integrity and the public good to all activitied eithin own area
- Supervises others in their compliance with financial policies and procedures
- Support and promotes strong financial management culture and develops finance skills and knowledge of governance issues
- Customer Focused Business Advice
- Has a wider awareness of the organisation and its position in the marketplace and uses this to challende processes and data in order to make improvements.
- Supports in the generation and interpretation of financial information to assist the Care Group understand itself more fully
- Identifies and implements opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of services provided within own role/team and finance department as a whole.
- Using Information Technology
- Uses IT to gather, interpret and manipulate information to meet the needs of the Care Group
- Mental & Physical Attributes
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to cope with rapid and sustained change
- Capable of working independently
- Able to work under pressure and deliver high quality work within challenging deadlines
- Interpersonal Skills
- Clear and effective communication and presentation skills.
- Good people management skills team working, motivation & delegation.
- Good influencing, analytical and negotiation skills
- Good written communication skills
Desirable
- Knowledge / experience of recruitment, appraisal, delegation, training, staff discipline and relevant HR policies and procedures
- Experience/knowledge of the NHS financial regime, including capital accounting, payment by results process, costing and information processes within the NHS.
- Experience of Oracle general ledger and Microsoft Office
Special Requirements
Essential
- A commitment to the continuous development of the finance department to be innovative and to constantly seek new ways of working / improving performance.
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of this post
Qualifications
Essential
- CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or passed finalist or significant equivalent NHS Financial Management Experience
Desirable
- CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or passed finalist.
- Clear Plan of working towards CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or evidence of continued professional development
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.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
