Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a suitably experienced and motivated Associate Care Group Accountant to join our successful team, award winning Financial Management function at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. The role is a key part of our finance team providing financial support and guidance to the organisation and supporting the financial strategy of the department. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about what they do in order to support delivering the best care for patients. In return we will offer you a warm and welcoming environment where you will be fully supported. We operate an agile working policy, whereby, the team are based on site for a proportion of the week and have the option to work at home, for 2 days per week, on a rota basis. We are an ACCA approved employer, CIMA premier partner and a Member of the AAT Employer Scheme. Alongside this, department is One NHS Finance Future Focussed Finance Level 2 accredited. This role is positioned to enable excellent developmental and career progression opportunities. 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 From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary, If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post. 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 Date posted 13 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working Reference number C9439-2425-1336 Job locations Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust Hollyhurst Road Darlington County Durham DL3 6HX Job description Job responsibilities 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 Job description Job responsibilities 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 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 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 Special Skills and 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 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 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 Special Skills and 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 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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). 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)