As part of the Financial Management section, the post holder will be responsible for supporting the Business Unit Accountant on the monthly financial reporting for the specific Clinical Groups - ensuring that financial information is meaningful, accurate and timely.
Support the Business Unit Accountant in appraising and providing financial advice to budget managers on complex issues. This includes the interpretation and investigation of complex budget variances, and production of complex financial forecasts and trend analysis.
To support the Business Unit Accountant in working with the Directorates in the production of the annual budgets, monthly budgetary control and in the development and monitoring of Divisional savings plans.
Responsible for ensuring that information within supporting financial systems (i.e. general ledger, budget setting system, SLR, ESR) is accurate and up to date.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key budget managers, ensuring that financial policies and procedures become an integral part of the way Group teams function.
To support the Business Unit Accountant on the monthly financial reporting for the Clinical Groups. This includes the production of timely and accurate variance analysis, forecasts and trend analysis.
To provide effective communication and financial advice/guidance to budget managers and clinical teams on the causes of current income and expenditure trends and implications of proposed management plans.
To support the Business Unit Accountant on setting the annual budgets for specific Clinical Groups within available financial resources. Ensure budgets are set in line with the budget setting timetable and methodology. Ensure budgets are kept up to date during the financial year through authorised budgets virements and budget changes monitored via the production of the monthly budget control schedules.
Responsible for ensuring that any Clinical Group financial information within supporting financial systems is accurate and timely. This includes both the monthly budgetary and actual positions within the general ledger, ensuring monthly feeder systems and accruals provide an accurate financial position.
Provide accurate and timely service costings for budget managers.
Responsible for ensuring all Clinical Group income is captured, invoiced and reported upon in a timely manner.
Support and deputise for the Business Unit Accountant in discussions and negotiations with budgets managers, clinicians, and other organisations - including the Trust's commissioners.
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are ‘United in our Uniqueness’ and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn
Previous applicants need not reapply
Job responsibilities
Please find attached Job Description and Person Specification to obtain a detailed job description and understand the main responsibilities of this role
What we can offer you:
An annual salary of up to £34,581 (37.5 hours per week) depending on experience
35-41 days annual leave including bank holidays (depending on length of service)
Ongoing career development training
NHS Pension Scheme one of the most comprehensive and generous schemes in the UK
Wellbeing support, such as MPFT Staff Psychology Service, and additional wellbeing days, along with activities throughout the year
Annual recognition event recognising our employees who live and breathe our values
Flexible working opportunities
There is also a range of other benefits including retail discounts and special offers, a cycle to work scheme, an annual leave purchase scheme, and much more!
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Qualified AAT/AAT Member or equivalent experience to degree level
Desirable
Degree of equivalent Higher level of education
Member of HFMA
Experience
Essential
Significant experience in working in a finance environment alongside accounting experience equivalent to NVQ level 5.
Experience and expertise in financial reporting, reconciliations, control accounts, coding structures, budget setting, financial forecasting and variance reporting.
Experience and expertise in finance computer systems and ledgers.
Experience and expertise in Budget Setting and Financial Forecasting systems.
Experience of liaising with budget managers and external organisations.
Desirable
NHS / Public sector experience.
Supervisory and training experience of junior members of staff.
Use of NHS financial ledger systems and Business Objects reporting package.
Skills
Essential
Good understanding of the NHS financial regime and associated NHS finance policies.
Advanced Computing / Keyboard skills including the use of Microsoft office software packages.
Excellent interpersonal skills /ability to communicate clearly to finance and non-finance staff in an appropriate manner.
Ability to prioritise own work in an organised and accurate manner within deadlines.
Analyse and make judgements upon a range of financial information including complex issues.
Effective team member skills.
Understanding of control accounts, reconciliations and budgeting processes.
Understanding of professional accounting standards and legislation
Detailed understanding of a range of financial procedures and practices.
Desirable
PowerPoint and Presentational skills.
Excel and Word intermediate level.
Understanding of NHS financial regime.
