NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB

Senior Financial Accountant

The closing date is 22 July 2025

Job summary

This is an exciting time to be joining our dedicated Finance Team at a time of significant change in the NHS. Due to the postholders forthcoming maternity leave, an opportunity has arisen for a Principal Financial Accountant to join us on a 10 month fixed-term secondment. This is an important and challenging role for a talented individual. There will be a lot to get through but you will be supported by a fantastic team.In addition, SNEE ICB will be implementing the new national ISFE2 Finance system in the Autumn. The secondee will be a key member of the team helping to ensure the ICB is fully prepared for the transition in the run-up to and beyond the go-live implementation date.

We are looking for a person with a can-do positive attitude, excellent planning and organisation skills, practical experience of using the ISFE1 Oracle Financials system and competency on MS Excel to an advanced level.

Main duties of the job

  • The review and reconciliation of the Balance Sheet Accounts for Right of Use Assets, Receivables and Payables, including Payroll and Lease Obligation accounts, and the subsequent preparation of month-end journals to clear reconciling items.
  • Detailed monitoring of the ICBs cash flow, including maintaining accurate spreadsheets to support the ICBs cash flow forecasting and the completion of all cash returns to NHS England.
  • Reviewing the ICBs weekly payment runs to ensure they are in line with forecast.
  • Leading on the completion of the month-end Financial Reporting Pack and Dashboard for inclusion in the Finance Committee papers.
  • Preparing the Invoice Payment File of Block Contract Payments to NHS Providers (c£140m per month), as well as the regular monthly invoice payment files to FNC Healthcare Providers and PHB clients.
  • Leading on the completion of the Agreement of Balances (AOB) Returns at Month 09 and Month 12, completing all relevant working papers and responding promptly to enquiries about AOB mismatches.
  • Preparing detailed working papers in support of the financial disclosures in the Annual Statutory Accounts and Annual Report.
  • Providing extensive support during internal and external audits by preparing working papers and promptly responding to queries.

About us

The NHS Suffolk and North-East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) plans and buys healthcare services for our population. This function is commonly referred to as commissioning. To do this, we work within a budget of around £1.5 billion, which is set by NHS England, and work closely with local government and the NHS providers in our area. Our performance is judged by how well our local health and care system as a whole is working, including the health outcomes of our communities.

The ICB has delegated some authority to the three health and wellbeing alliances that operate in Suffolk and North-East Essex to act on its behalf. This is to ensure that the needs of smaller, local areas are addressed.

The ICB remains accountable for all of its functions, including those it has delegated. Local residents have a big role to play in the operation of the ICB. We rely on the experiences and perspectives of our communities to help shape our decision-making.

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year AfC 25/26

Contract

Secondment

Duration

10 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

D9710-ICB468

Job locations

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

The job description and person specification are an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by their line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job description and person specification are an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by their line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of previous NHS Finance experience is essential and must be at a level appropriate to transitioning to this role.
  • Proven track record of advising finance and non-finance managers and giving guidance where needed.
  • Proven experience in dealing with problems of a highly complex nature which requires analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
  • Must be able to demonstrate a background in staff management.
  • Dealing with confidential and/or sensitive information.
  • Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development.
  • Experience of NHS year end accounts preparation
  • Knowledge of oracle-financials system

Qualifications

Essential

  • CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with evidence of professional membership and significant relevant post qualification experience.
  • Able to demonstrate commitment to continued professional and personal development.

Desirable

  • Graduate Degree.

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to analyse highly complex information from multiple sources, and present options and outcomes clearly and simply.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with contentious, or sensitive issues.
  • High level of emotional resilience to allow empathy without compromise on project aims or goals.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
  • Research and analysis of source data and development of sound conclusions.
  • Negotiating, influencing and networking skills.
  • Demonstrates a high level of influencing skills which creates the commitment from others and secure the necessary support to deliver results.
  • Able to build effective and sustainable relationships across teams.
  • Able to cope with a regular requirement for intense concentration when reconciling data, designing complex spreadsheet models, and completing returns. This is often prolonged and with interruptions to deal with queries.
  • Understanding of national system reform policies
  • In depth knowledge of financial aspects of NHS legislation and NHS Finance policies.
  • Ability to work methodically and accurately to tight deadlines.

Other

Essential

  • Ability to travel routinely within the East of England and to travel outside the region, as required, for the role.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Able to concentrate on specific and highly complex matters, whilst dealing with unplanned interruptions.
  • Able to maintain high levels of personal performance in highly emotive environments.
  • Evidence of holding strong public services values and being deeply motivated to improve services and make a real difference to the health status of patients, clients and the public.
  • Ability to make sound judgements on financial risk where there is no precedent and where other leading opinion differs.
  • Able to inspire and motivate others.
  • Able to establish positive relationships and mutual respect with people at all levels.
  • Able to establish and maintain effective relationships and networks.
  • Confident and resilient.
  • Responsive to change.
  • Self aware.
  • Values integrity, fairness, passion, openness, honesty, mutual respect and challenge.
Person Specification

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of previous NHS Finance experience is essential and must be at a level appropriate to transitioning to this role.
  • Proven track record of advising finance and non-finance managers and giving guidance where needed.
  • Proven experience in dealing with problems of a highly complex nature which requires analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
  • Must be able to demonstrate a background in staff management.
  • Dealing with confidential and/or sensitive information.
  • Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development.
  • Experience of NHS year end accounts preparation
  • Knowledge of oracle-financials system

Qualifications

Essential

  • CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with evidence of professional membership and significant relevant post qualification experience.
  • Able to demonstrate commitment to continued professional and personal development.

Desirable

  • Graduate Degree.

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to analyse highly complex information from multiple sources, and present options and outcomes clearly and simply.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with contentious, or sensitive issues.
  • High level of emotional resilience to allow empathy without compromise on project aims or goals.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
  • Research and analysis of source data and development of sound conclusions.
  • Negotiating, influencing and networking skills.
  • Demonstrates a high level of influencing skills which creates the commitment from others and secure the necessary support to deliver results.
  • Able to build effective and sustainable relationships across teams.
  • Able to cope with a regular requirement for intense concentration when reconciling data, designing complex spreadsheet models, and completing returns. This is often prolonged and with interruptions to deal with queries.
  • Understanding of national system reform policies
  • In depth knowledge of financial aspects of NHS legislation and NHS Finance policies.
  • Ability to work methodically and accurately to tight deadlines.

Other

Essential

  • Ability to travel routinely within the East of England and to travel outside the region, as required, for the role.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Able to concentrate on specific and highly complex matters, whilst dealing with unplanned interruptions.
  • Able to maintain high levels of personal performance in highly emotive environments.
  • Evidence of holding strong public services values and being deeply motivated to improve services and make a real difference to the health status of patients, clients and the public.
  • Ability to make sound judgements on financial risk where there is no precedent and where other leading opinion differs.
  • Able to inspire and motivate others.
  • Able to establish positive relationships and mutual respect with people at all levels.
  • Able to establish and maintain effective relationships and networks.
  • Confident and resilient.
  • Responsive to change.
  • Self aware.
  • Values integrity, fairness, passion, openness, honesty, mutual respect and challenge.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB

Address

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB

Address

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year AfC 25/26

Contract

Secondment

Duration

10 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

D9710-ICB468

Job locations

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX


Supporting documents

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