Senior Financial Accountant

Job overview

The post holder will support the Associate Director of Financial Services and Payroll in the delivery of high quality financial accounting, statutory reporting, and robust financial governance across the Trust.   The Finance Manager - Financial Services will provide senior operational and technical leadership across delegated Financial Services functions, ensuring effective day to day management, compliance with accounting standards and Standing Financial Instructions, and the timely production of accurate financial information.

Please note: Applicants who have previously been advised that they do not meet the requirements for this position should not reapply unless they have since taken clear steps to strengthen their application. Reapplications must include evidence demonstrating how the essential criteria are now met.

Please note that this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide operational oversight across Financial Accounting, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Capital Accounting and financial systems, supporting the production of statutory accounts, balance sheet and cash flow reporting, and coordinating internal and external audit activity. The role also includes line management responsibilities and contributing to service improvement and system development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of balance sheet, cash flow and working capital information, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with accounting standards, for review by the Associate Director.
• Lead the coordination and production of high quality working papers and supporting schedules for statutory accounts, including liaison with internal and external audit.
• Support the Associate Director in ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, statutory guidance and NHS financial requirements, escalating complex technical issues as required.
• Coordinate responses to audit recommendations and ensure timely implementation of agreed actions across Financial Services.
• Provide senior operational oversight of delegated Financial Services functions, including Accounts Payable and Receivable, Financial Accounting, Capital Accounting, Systems and Control.
• Ensure robust financial controls are embedded and operating effectively across Financial Services processes.
• Lead the development, maintenance and review of financial procedures and standard operating procedures in line with Standing Financial Instructions and Trust policies.
• Monitor service performance, risks and issues within Financial Services, providing assurance and escalation to the Associate Director where necessary.
• Support the preparation and monitoring of cash flow and working capital information, contributing to internal and external reporting requirements.
• Oversee capital accounting processes and the maintenance of the fixed asset register, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and reconciliation.
• Coordinate VAT accounting activities, including preparation of returns and supporting documentation, working with external advisers as required and escalating complex matters appropriately.
• Act as a senior operational lead for financial systems within scope, ensuring data integrity, appropriate controls and effective use of systems.
• Support the implementation of new finance systems, system upgrades and process changes, including testing, data validation and staff engagement.
• Identify and lead opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and resilience within Financial Services processes, working collaboratively with the Associate Director and wider finance leadership.
• To provide specialist advice on accounting standards and financial information to Directors, Senior Managers, and other appropriate staff on highly complex financial accounting and capital issues in respect to the Trusts financial and non-financial activities.