Assistant Accountant

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide support to the Finance Manager and Head of Finance in the production and delivery of all aspects of statutory and other financial reporting.

To produce and analyse monthly budget reports using the ICBs ledger system and report writing packages.

To monitor and maintain budgets, advising and assisting budget managers in relation to financial issues and planning.

To support the provision of an effective financial management function, through provision of high quality, accurate, relevant, and timely information to budget managers. This will include investigating variances on budgets and resolving highly complex financial queries.

Ensure systems and procedures are in place to support a smooth and timely closedown. Including calculating and entering accruals and prepayments into the ledger.

Manage/monitor a monthly closedown/reporting timetable to ensure all financial deadlines are met.

Maintain the ICBs budget control schedule/income control schedule and Reserves schedules, ensuring that new resources are actioned and budget journals have been input correctly.

Contribute/review and write procedure notes to ensure internal controls and systems are in place.

Assist with the monthly cash flow forecast to allow NECS to control the ICBs cash limits.

Provision of financial training to both Finance and non Finance staff.

Liaise with internal audit in relation to financial controls and procedures.

To provide technical/financial advice to all members of staff.

Responsible for the day to day management and supervision of the Finance Assistant, including managing performance, supporting staff development and completion of regular appraisals.

To produce ad hoc costings and analysis as and when required.

Discuss financial queries from suppliers/customers, which are often complex and can be contentious, including reasons for delays in payment.

Participate in Annual Budget setting exercise.

The completion of ad hoc returns on behalf of the ICB.

Ensure payments are being made via BACS/ready to pay files relating to LIS/PIS etc.

Liaise with NECS with regards to financial services and other finance issues.

Participate in the training of finance trainees and workplace/student placements.

Other duties as directed by the Finance Manager and Head of Finance

Please see job description attached for a full overview of the role and responsibilities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• AAT qualified, or equivalent significant relevant experience.

Desirable

• Preferably actively studying towards a recognised Professional Accountancy Qualification.

Experience

Essential

• Micro-computing skills especially software packages Excel and Word.

Desirable

• Experience and understanding of financial ledger systems preferably NHS.
• Ability to utilise Oracle and Business intelligence software to interrogate Oracle general ledger.

Knowledge

Essential

• Advises finance and non finance managers on matters relating to their own area, providing detailed advice and guidance, acquired through professional Accountancy Qualifications.
• The post holder should have a good knowledge of current issues affecting NHS finance, and the ability of conveying those issues to service users.
• Knowledge and expertise in areas of a technical nature including various accounting procedures, (control accounts, NHS VAT legislation, and ledger feeder systems.
• Knowledge in the preparation of working papers to support the production of annual accounts.

Employer details

Employer name

North East & North Cumbria ICB

Address

Pemberton House

Sunderland

SR5 3XB

Employer's website

https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)