Financial Accountant (Capital)

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Finance Department at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The position of Financial Accountant (Capital) will be based at Knowsley Community College and will be full time (37.5 hours).

Main duties of the job

Provide key aspects of financial accounting services which include monitoring and assisting with planning of the Trust’s capital programme. Updating and monitoring the Trust’s asset register. Support the Assistant Director of Finance – Financial Services on aspects of internal and external reporting including monthly reporting and statutory year end accounts. Assist with the year end external audit exercise and be responsible for provision of information as it relates to the role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Capital expenditure monitoring

To ensure that records relating to capital accounting are accurately and effectively maintained on the Finance General Ledger and the Trust’s asset register including regular reconciliations to assist in the accurate production of the Trust Balance Sheet to the required reporting timetable.

To undertake a rolling programme of physical asset audits. This will include the development of systems and reports to allow for regular verification with the Divisions of capital assets within their areas.

To liaise with budget holders, Divisional managers and the Assistant Director of Finance to ensure continued accurate identification of additions, disposals, transfers, upgrades and replacements / damaged / obsolete assets. The asset register will be updated on a quarterly basis for such amendments.

To liaise with the Estates Capital Team and other capital budget holders in order to maintain accurate records and reconciliations of assets under construction (AUC), ensuring correct categorisation with the Asset Register and Balance Sheet and capitalisation in accordance with the agreed timetable. This also includes maintaining an accurate audit trail of AUC records for the annual statutory accounts.

Calculation of the Trust’s capital charges, ensuring that these are an accurate reflection within the timetable specified. Prepare forecasts for the Trust’s capital charges and ensure this is integrated into the financial plans for the Trust.

Produce accurate and timely capital monitoring reports, both for in year and year end capital budget monitoring purposes.

Attend meetings as required with the Facilities Department to discuss any issues relating to capital and to use the information from these forums to improve the overall capital planning process.

Assist the Facilities Department in the profiling of the annual capital programme.

Ensure the Assistant Director of Finance is kept up to date with all issue relating to capital cashflow to assist in the production of the overall cash flow to the agreed timetable.

To meet regularly with the relevant Estates Managers to ensure that the Trust maximises its VAT recovery in respect of capital expenditure.

General Ledger

Assist in the production of statutory annual accounts for the Trust, primarily relating to capital.

Dealing with internal and external audit requirements as required.

Administrative responsibilities

Ensure all relevant procedure notes and associated forms are completed in line with departmental policy and audit requirements.

Clinical and professional responsibilities

Maintain professional registrations as necessary.

Adhere to relevant code of practice of professional body.

Teaching and training responsibilities

Actively participate in the annual performance development review to identify personal needs.

To attend Trust statutory and mandatory training sessions.

Line Management/Supervisory responsibilities

Day to day management of the General Office teams in Southport and Ormskirk ensuring that both are staffed appropriately, workload is distributed according to priorities, mandatory training is up to date, annual leave is controlled, annual performance reviews conducted, personal development plans constructed, appropriate training is delivered and sickness is recorded.