Financial Accountant

Job overview

Reporting to the Head of Reporting, Group and Investments, the post holder is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of capital accounting, the fixed asset register, and associated balance sheet areas. The role supports the delivery of accurate monthly and annual financial statements, capital reporting, and audit assurance for the Trust. The post holder has line management responsibility for the Assistant Financial Accountant and plays an important role in maintaining strong financial governance, developing staff capability, and supporting the Trust’s growing capital investment programme.

Main duties of the job

Lead and manage the Trust’s capital and financial accounting activities, ensuring accurate accounting, reporting and governance of capital expenditure, fixed assets, investments, borrowings, provisions and reserves. Maintain the fixed asset register and oversee all related accounting transactions, including depreciation, amortisation, IFRS 16 leases and PDC accounting, ensuring compliance with IFRS, the NHS Group Accounting Manual and Trust policies. Support the production of monthly and annual financial statements through high-quality reconciliations, working papers and audit-ready documentation. Produce and review capital reports, monitor capital spend against plan, identify variances and risks, and work collaboratively with Divisions, Estates, Digital, Medical Equipment and Programme teams to ensure appropriate financial treatment of capital schemes. Contribute to capital planning, forecasting and investment reporting, while supporting the development of robust accounting policies, financial controls and assurance processes. Act as a key liaison for internal and external audits and support the Head of Reporting, Group and Investments in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the Trust’s balance sheet.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Capital and Financial Accounting • Lead the day-to-day capital accounting processes for the Trust, ensuring accurate recording, monitoring and reporting of capital expenditure. • Maintain the Trust’s fixed asset register, ensuring completeness, accuracy and timely updates for additions, disposals, transfers and impairments. • Calculate and review depreciation, amortisation and capital-related accounting entries (PDC payable, IFRS 16 Leases) in line with NHS and DHSC guidance. • Support the production of monthly and annual financial statements, with particular responsibility for capital-related balance sheet accounts. • Prepare high-quality working papers and reconciliations to support year-end accounts and audit requirements. • Ensure compliance with IFRS, NHS Group Accounting Manual and Trust accounting policies within areas of responsibility. • Support Group Balance Sheet (non-current assets, investments, borrowings, provisions and reserves) with relevant reconciliations and audit working papers. Capital Reporting and Governance • Produce and review regular capital reports, supporting monitoring of capital spend against plan and highlighting variances and risks. • Work closely with Divisions, Estates, Medical Equipment, Digital and Programme teams to ensure accurate financial treatment of capital schemes. • Support the development and implementation of capital accounting policies and procedures. • Contribute to capital planning, forecasting and investment reporting as required by senior finance colleagues. Audit, Assurance and Controls • Act as a key point of contact for internal and external audit in relation to capital and financial accounting areas. • Ensure strong financial controls are in place across capital processes, identifying opportunities for improvement. • Support the Head of Reporting, Group and Investments in maintaining the integrity of the Trust’s balance sheet.