Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated and enthusiastic Management Accountant to join the Financial Management Team, as part of the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Finance Department, KSS HFMA 2021 Finance Team of the year.
The post holder will be responsible for supporting the delivery of monthly Management Accounts information to internal stakeholders and providing a high quality Management Accounts service to the Trust.
The role will be an integral part of the Management Accounts Team providing a reliable and responsive Management Accounts service to ensure the provision of high quality financial advice and information to a variety of staff within the Trust, at different levels.
This role offers a variety of experience within the Finance Department and is an ideal development opportunity for someone looking to undertake their professional qualifications and advance their careers.
You will be a highly motivated individual, with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a diverse workload. We will consider applications from professionals who are 'qualified by experience'. This means that if you are capable of demonstrating a high level of knowledge and skills in the finance field and have a good proven track record of working in Management Accounts we would like to hear from you.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have the right to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Main Duties of the Job
The post holder will support the Divisional Finance Manager in providing a full financial management service, liaising directly with the Directorate budget managers to provide financial assistance and addressing budget queries at times on complex and sensitive issues.
They will be responsible for independently preparing budget statements to the Directorates and Departments managed by the team in line with the agreed timetable and ensuring that these are supported by accurate documentation required by local financial procedures.
They will assist the Divisional Finance Manager in investigating financial variances, meeting budget holders, preparing forecasts and analysing QIPP financial performance. They will independently prepare costings for business cases and SLA negotiations where applicable.
The post holder will set up and suggest improvements to processes and procedures to ensure workload and performance information is received on time to aid financial analysis as well as review and recommend improvements to existing processes within the directorate.
They will also deputize for the Finance Manager as required.
About Us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisational model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job Responsibilities
Managerial Responsibilities:
Communication and Relationships. Provides complex and sensitive information. Discusses and provides advice on potentially difficult financial and corporate issues to both non-financial Managers and Senior Finance staff. Advising on financial budgets (including staffing levels) ensuring these meet the Trust objectives.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills. Interpreting complex facts or situations to enable judgements to be made, which require the analysis and comparison of a range of options. This includes advising on the setting and monitoring of budgets, developing cost-saving programmes, forecasting strategic and operational financial income and expenditure based on detailed information and assumptions gained through close working relationships with Divisional Management. Analysing complex financial trends involving lots of data sources and dealing with conflicting information and operational vs financial conflicts.
Planning and Organisation. Take the lead on planning and organising various finance projects, and assist management of a range of complex financial systems to ensure the accurate, timely and appropriate recording and monitoring and reporting of Directorate costs and activities. Prepares budgets and financial estimates for service provision that forms the medium term to long term financial strategy of the Division. Balance conflicting priorities and alters plans frequently to incorporate both internal and external requirements.
Provides support and advice to the Directorate Managers regarding the options available to rectify variances from plan, detailing the likely implications on workload capacity and the ability to meet agreed Directorate performance targets.
Helps develop the most appropriate system to provide support and information for effective decision-making.
To have a significant input alongside the Finance Manager in designing, implementing and interpreting performance management systems to provide prompt feedback when plans are not being achieved and which provide details of the likely year-end position based on the best available information. Supporting and leading where appropriate the development and use of appropriate processes and structures within the Division to agree and monitor financial performance.
Works closely with the Finance Manager to assist the Divisional Managers in the drawing up of budgets, business plans and forecasts to deliver the best value services that meet the Directorate and Trusts objectives.
Authorised signatory / approver for routine directorate expenditure, such as staff change forms and approvals for recruitment; prepares regular financial monitoring reports for both Division and Senior Finance Staff and contributes to budget setting.
Requires a working understanding of the Trusts corporate objectives and strategy so as to be able to assist the Directorate Service Managers in translating these into objectives and strategies. Practical advice will cover such items as the financial framework, standing financial instructions and the use of business skills such as benchmarking.
Undertake deep dive investigations using complex financial and operational information to ascertain service profitability through Service Line Reporting and support the Directorates in implementing improvements identified.
Responsibility for Information Resources. Creates computerised databases and spreadsheets for the interpretation and presentation of financial and performance data for use by directorate colleagues.
Freedom to act. Works to broad objectives and priorities set by the Finance Manager to then act without further reference to Manager. The postholder is expected to work within broad principles and policies of the Trust and the Finance Department and use their discretion to target their workload on the key issues which may change on a daily basis.
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Essential
* Post-graduate diploma level or equivalent expertise in Professional Accounting discipline, with advanced knowledge in one or more specialist accounting areas.
* AAT qualified or actively studying towards CCAB qualification.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* In-depth specialist knowledge of management and financial accounting principles.
* Specialist knowledge of Health Service Finance.
* IT skills - in-depth knowledge of Word, Excel spreadsheets and Access databases.
* Able to work to tight deadlines.
* Able to develop working relationships.
Desirable
* Able to develop financial reports using Crystal Reports.
* Specialist knowledge of Health Service Finance.
Experience
Essential
* Significant experience in reconciliation and balances, finance computer systems and ledgers, routine financial reporting, accruals, income and expenditure, raising invoices, financial coding.
* Previous experience of managing a financial portfolio and resolving complex financial and corporate issues.
* Experience of supporting the development of annual financial plans.
* Experience of proposing and implementing changes to accounting procedures for stakeholder area(s).
* Experience of supporting the development of external budgets and monitoring delivery of annual business plans.
* Experience of developing tailored spreadsheets and reports for business needs.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
* Collaborative approach.
* Team player.
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
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood
Dartford
DA2 8DA
Employer's Website #J-18808-Ljbffr