Deputy Finance Manager

Job overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Finance Manager to join the Emergency and Medicine Division on a permanent basis.

Reporting to the Clinical Finance Manager the successful candidate will lead a Financial Management team to ensure effective use of financial resources in pursuit of agreed Divisional and Corporate goals.

This post will also support budget setting, financial planning, forecasting, monthly monitoring and reporting within corporate standards and timetables.

The role requires an enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work as a Deputy Finance Manager.

This role is based at New Cross Hospital while also embracing the option of agile working, through a combination of on-site working and working from home, should this flexibility be attractive to the right candidate.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide financial support and advice to specified divisions and support services. Budgets are large and complex and provision of support may involve emotive and contentious issues. Financial support will include advising Clinical Directors, Divisional Managers, Group/Directorate Managers, Budget Holders and the Clinical Finance Manager in financial matters relating to the areas concerned. They will supervise a finance team providing professional advice on all financial matters.

The Deputy Finance Manager will represent the Chief Financial Officer at Divisional/Departmental Team Meetings and will ensure that all decisions are made within a financial framework agreed by the Chief Financial Officer.

It should be noted that at the time of applying for this position a Divisional team in which this post works will be noted, however this is one of a number of these roles within the department and from time to time the Division may change, usually to support the development and experience of staff members.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Deputy Finance Manager supervises a finance team who are responsible for financial advice, financial information and other financial input (e.g. business planning, service level agreements, costing and market testing) to a range of clinical services. In addition they will be responsible for coordinating specific Trust-wide projects where the work cannot be divided into separate teams due to the necessity for a single and consistent output and approach.

• To ensure that all information provided by the team is of a high professional standard, is timely and accurate and that correct financial principles are adhered to.
• To be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team, assisting the Finance Manager in recruitment and selection, appraisals, personal development, sickness absence policy and disciplinary issues, ensuring Trust HR policies are adhered to.
• To be responsible for leading the team through the monthly management accounting process, ensuring the correct accounting treatment of provisions made, and that the strict reporting and forecasting deadlines are adhered to. Delegate tasks as appropriate.
• Meet regularly with divisional staff and budget holders to discuss the financial position and associated issues. Be satisfied that financial objectives are being met and ensure that action is being planned  and implemented that will correct any adverse trends or meet specified cost reductions.
• To advise the divisions/departments on a wide range of financial issues, including identifying cost improvement targets, income generation, costing of rebased establishments, service developments,  financial management and business planning. To ensure that all financial proposals have been accurately costed, and that the division/department is aware of the full implications of the proposals.
• To provide financial support to business cases prepared for presentation to a number of groups including Trust Management Committee, Trust Board, Commissioners and ICS. This will include full  financial analysis of the options available, impacts on both income and expenditure and the implications of any capital purchasing decisions, including capital charges.
• To appraise the Finance Manager of any concerns / risks with achievement of financial breakeven of directorate budgets including financial implications of changes in service provision.
• To support the Finance Manager in the annual Trust business planning and budget setting process. Ensure that all relevant issues are considered by managers (e.g. cost pressures, cost improvements plans, service developments), and that the financial implications have been fully costed and included in the business plan submission. Attend each round of budget setting meetings with members of the management team to discuss the Business Plan and provide financial support to the  Divisions/Departments.
• To be aware of and understand the Trust’s policies and procedures, SOs and SFIs. To ensure they are brought to the attention of relevant managers and provide training sessions as required. To report any non-compliance or potential non-compliance to the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate.
• To provide relevant information for the production of accurate Patient Level Costs/Reference Costs for the Trust, e.g. costing of Care Profiles and Apportionment Tables. Support the completion of other costing returns as necessary on a regular or adhoc basis.
• To lead the team in accurate completion of the Trust accounts processes, ensuring tasks are completed in line with the timetables and comply with External Audit requirements. Preparation of notes to the accounts as required by the DoH, e.g. TAC forms and PFR returns on a monthly basis.
• To participate in departmental meetings, e.g. Team Brief. To deputise for the Finance Manager at Divisional and Senior Finance Team Meetings as required and support other colleagues as appropriate.
• To participate in ensuring that departmental staffing structures reflect the changing requirements of the Trust.
• Ensure continuous professional development (CPD) in line with the accountancy Professional Bodies’ requirements. Remain appraised of up-to-date relevant professional guidance and standards and reflect this in day to day work. Be aware of NHS specific legislation and developments for inclusion inday to day work, e.g. NHS Funding regimes, Pay and conditions, Medical Staff Terms and Conditions, change in Pension Scheme costs and National Insurance contributions