To support the Head of Costing and SLR with the delivery of a robust costing system that can be used to support clinical directorates and the finance team to identify efficiencies and ensure value for money is being provided to the NHS. Support the Costing and SLR Manager in the completion and submission of National Cost collections and benchmarking returns. To ensure all cost allocations are made appropriately and are in line with national and Trust guidance and timescales. Continually review the guidance issued by NHS E/I to ensure the costing principles are being adhered to and that the costing system is updated for any changes to the guidance. Updating procedure notes where necessary. Provide assurance to the Costing and SLR Manager of the quality of data provided/downloaded to the costing system, working closely with Management Accountants and Information staff to identify ways to improve data quality. To liaise with internal and external auditors providing evidence and back up of data sources, procedures and methodology used in the supply of information to the board and external agencies. To work with key operational and clinical staff to continuously improve the Trusts Patient Level Costing (PLICS) system, for example to routinely review the allocations and estimations that are used. To assist in the preparation and analysis of complex Service Level Reports, including exception reporting and narrative to Trust senior executives and the Trust Board in line with internal and external deadlines/timescales. To work with Operational Directors and managers to provide innovative, comprehensive reports as required (often on an adhoc basis) to meet the needs of Divisional Management Teams, Directors Meetings, CCG contracts, and any other purpose. Skills will be required to negotiate and persuade managers where there are likely to be barriers to their understanding. Review and analyse new guidance relating to the National Cost Collection, PBR, SLR and other regimes to assess the impact on the costing system, producing timetables for submissions in agreement with other parties involved. To analyse published benchmarking data for the Trust against other similar organisations to gauge value for money and robustness of information. Use findings to suggest updates to future processes and to inform best practice. Work closely with managers and Directors to provide complex financial input into business cases, tenders and contracts. To assist the Costing and SLR Manager with the application of audit and counter fraud recommendations where necessary. Responsible for day to day system maintenance of the PLICS system including any required upgrades or developments The role requires frequent prolonged concentration to read, understand and interpret guidance and analyse outputs from the costing system. Any other duties required, including a wide variety of ad hoc reporting, as determined by the Finance Director, involving investigation and analysis across the full breadth of the Trusts clinical and non-clinical activities