The Postholder will be responsible for assisting the Head of Financial Accounting in all aspects of the systems, processes and controls involved in the day to day management of Cash and Financial Accounting.
This is a challenging and multi-faceted role which combines a requirement for the highest standards of technical competence in managing the outputs of a finance team and enabling service colleagues and producing high quality reports.
Within a framework established by the Head of Financial Accounting, the Financial Accountant will have autonomy to direct their own workload and relationships with the finance team and other colleagues.
Main duties of the job
As a qualified accountant, the postholder will have autonomy to interpret policies, guidance and accounting standards and to apply specialist technical accounting knowledge to discharge their duties. The key result areas for this aspect of the role are accurate, insightful and timely information and reports. You will support the Head of Financial Accounting to ensure that timely submissions are made for the monthly and year-end returns and statutory accounts. You will work with the Head of Financial Accounting and other members of the team in the completion of the Trust's Annual Accounts. You will lead on maintaining accurate and detailed working papers for audit purposes.
The postholder will supervise, and line manage staff within the Financial Accounting Team. This will include managing the Team workload and work stream allocation. Staff management duties to include recruitment, training, conducting appraisals, staff career development, and the stages of the disciplinary process.
The postholder will report to the Head of Financial Accounting and will be expected to uphold and promote the Finance Department's policies and principles throughout the course of their work. You will have a fundamental role in ensuring financial governance and tight financial controls are in place throughout the organisation as part of the organisations Financial Framework Improvement Plan.
Job responsibilities
Financial Accounting
1. Report to and deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting.
2. Enhance the day-to-day management of the Financial Accounting department, including the development of the process for producing the Trust's monthly and quarterly financial returns and Annual Financial Statements.
3. Assist the Financial Accounting team in responding to Internal and External Audit reports and in implementing agreed recommendations.
4. Lead on all aspects of the Charitable Fund accounting, preparation of papers for the Trustees meetings, completion of the Annual Charitable Funds Accounts including liaising directly with the Auditors.
5. Support the Head of Financial Accounting in leading and managing the relationship with outsourced service providers for the financial services function.
6. Ensure that internal financial controls support an effective system of financial governance.
7. Input into the production of monthly finance accounts to ensure deadlines are met.
8. Review all applicable guidance and perform due diligence.
9. Manage Cash and Agreement of Balances procedures of the annual accounts.
10. Support any other aspects of the year end accounts process as required.
11. Review all appropriate working papers and ensure a good audit trail.
12. Ensure full review of all control accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis.
13. Work autonomously to complete tasks outlined in the monthly Finance Timetable.
14. Review all relevant local financial systems and procedures on an annual basis.
15. Liaise with the Trusts shared service for day to day management.
16. Liaise with external agencies and professional advisors.
17. Ensure the development, documentation and regular review of updates of all procedures within the team.
Cash Management
1. Manage the production of the weekly cash flow forecast and the annual cash flow forecast.
2. Support completion of the cash flow plan for the Trust.
3. Support the Head of Financial Accounting and other members of staff in identifying cash support requirements.
4. Review daily bank statements and the cash management schedules.
5. Reconcile the cash flow management processes to the Trusts statutory External Financing Limit (EFL).
6. Manage and be responsible for all the cash and bank accounts of the Trust.
7. Ensure that available funds are sufficient for the payment of suppliers.
8. Ensure that funds are available for the payment of the monthly salaries and statutory payments.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Holder of a CCAB/recognised Professional Accountancy Qualification.
* Evidence of continual professional development.
Desirable
* Member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Experience
Essential
* Experience and full knowledge of the objectives and procedures of all other departments within the Finance Directorate.
* Experience gained through interaction and past work experience.
* Demonstrating a commitment to continued professional development.
Desirable
* Experience at a managerial level in a finance department.
* Post qualification experience.
Knowledge
Essential
* Excellent knowledge of International and UK Financial Reporting Standards.
* Knowledge of cash management and the impact on cash of the strategic decisions of the Group.
* Expert Knowledge of Capital Accounting.
* Excellent communication skills for all levels of staff.
* The ability to communicate with staff, patients and relatives when sensitivity is required.
* Ability to produce concise financial reports and information.
* Highly numerate with the ability to interpret highly complex financial information.
* Ability to resolve complex issues when expert opinion can sometimes differ.
* Ability to switch focus on a regular basis between different departments.
* Decision making skills which enable informed decisions to be made on own initiative.
* Ability to work to tight deadlines and to motivate others to do the same.
* Good budget management and forecasting skills.
* Good presentation skills.
* Ability to communicate complex financial issues to non-finance managers.
* To develop the structure, schedule and the planning and co-ordinating of the work requirements of the Finance department.
* Comprehensive IT skills including the use of Financial systems and associated ledgers.
* Experience with Microsoft Office products including knowledge of Microsoft Excel to an advanced level.
* Excellent time management skills.
* The ability to think laterally to determine the impact of decisions made Trust wide.
Desirable
* Knowledge and understanding of the strategic plans of the organisation.
* Expert knowledge of Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.
* Knowledge of relevant NHS Policies and procedures.
Personal Attributes
Essential
* Reliable, good time keeping, honesty.
* Commitment to develop and train staff across the Finance Directorate.
* Post holder will liaise directly with External Audit and Internal Audit.
* Display smart appearance and integrity both personally and professionally.
Employer details
Employer name
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Address
Horizon Place, Trust Headquarters
1 Mellors Way, Nottingham Business Park
Nottingham
NG8 6PY
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