Senior Financial Accountant

Job overview

Reporting to the Financial Controller, the post holder will have responsibilities for the group accounting, cash management and other key areas across the Financial Accounts function. This post requires a combination of financial accounting skills and managerial experience within the context of a large acute provider Trust.

Main duties of the job

This role is key in delivering the financial reporting agenda for NUH, providing dedicated support to the Financial Controller in the production of ad-hoc reports, monthly and annual statutory consolidated accounts and the submission of NHS statutory financial accounts and returns. They will manage the collation of the Statement of Financial Position (SoFP) control accounts, including those of the subsidiary, Hospital Pharmacy Services Nottingham (HPSN).

This post will liaise with external stakeholders including internal and external auditors and NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) providing information as and when required. A high level of organisation, planning ability and time management is required.

There is a responsibility for cash flow forecasting and reporting, working with colleagues (maintaining an overview of bank reconciliations, and actions, and identifying future cash shortfalls. The post will ensure the Trust and HPSN comply with audit requirements, including the maintenance of bank mandates and authorised signatories.

They will continuously improve processes, alongside SBS and engage with colleagues across other areas of finance to support the overall strategic direction.

The post will also be responsible for overseeing the subsidiary accounts, annual returns (Corporation Tax / monthly management reports and budgeting / planning.

The post holder will be based at City Hospital but will work flexibly from home and occasionally at other locations.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the Financial Controller in the delivery of all statutory / NHS accounts and monthly returns (including Provider Financial Returns (PFR’s), Statutory Accounts and detailed working papers) which should represent a true and fair view of the Trust position and meet financial timescales and legal requirements. Input into the annual national Financial Planning Returns (FPR’s) reflecting the current Trust plan in terms of the planned SOFP, projected Statement of Cash Flow (SOCF) and technical calculations, including the PDC dividend for the year. Review all working papers for the monthly / annual accounts ensuring compliance with appropriate IFRS guidance, standards and timescales. Review the integrity of the trial balance (TB), the Statement of Comprehensive Income (SOCI) and SOFP of both the Trust and the subsidiary Pharmacy Company and provide Group accounts with the appropriate elimination of inter-company transactions. Operate an appropriate control environment relating to Trust control accounts and suspense accounts, ensuring that all procedures are followed in a timely manner. Review the Trust / HPSN SOFP control accounts, ensuring reconciliations are completed, and reviewed, on time by responsible officers, in the prescribed Trust format. Working with the Senior Financial Accountant (Technical Accounts), the post holder will provide monthly performance reports to the Financial Controller to indicate the rate of completion and to ensure all reconciliations are completed on time and to the required standard. Review SOFP control account reconciliations (including cash, receivables and payables) and obtain assurance over audit risk areas such as accruals by conducting an analytical review with counterparts (eg. Management Accountants) and challenging preparers / making recommendations as appropriate. Undertake periodical reports to the Finance Performance Committee, including movements and trends in the key components of the SOFP and SOCF and seek / validate appropriate explanations for movements. Assess overall emerging trends and recommend actions to the Financial Controller in addressing adverse movements in working capital, engaging with peers across the finance function as necessary. Prepare for the annual accounts and audit by designing and maintaining a monthly set of working papers to audit standard, ensuring working papers are reviewed and signed off and professionally prepared. Develop and maintain a close and productive working relationship with the Trust’s external auditor in matters relating to the production of the annual statutory accounts and subsequent audit. Prepare audit evidence in advance of deadlines and be prepared for audit challenge as appropriate. Convert audit recommendations (internal and external) into actions and provide assurance internally and externally that these have been implemented and tested within the stated timeframes as agreed with between the Financial Controller and the auditor. Advise on, and co-ordinate the Agreement of Balances process (AoB), within the context of the overall accounts timetable, ensuring all AoB submissions are completed including the resolution of any mismatches. Act on advice from the Senior Financial Accountant - Technical Accounts to correctly interpret and apply new or updated accounting standards as adopted by the NHS. Source information to resolve complex financial problems or queries, and identify, report and resolve emerging problems before becoming a more significant issue for the Trust. Review and sign-off draft PFR returns to provide assurance to the Financial Controller that there are no errors, challenging as necessary. Ensure all narratives, particularly relating to variances against plan, have been completed by all relevant parties. Develop and maintain working relationships with internal colleagues (finance and non-finance) and external contacts (e.g. NHS SBS) ensuring an effective two-way flow of information and a common understanding of stakeholder requirements / offerings. Formalise such arrangements where it would be beneficial to the Trust. Supervise internal cash flow forecasting, ensuring alignment with the SBS cashflow model and ensure a feedback loop to SBS covers known future cash flow items / changes. Oversee the preparation of monthly cash forecasts for review by the Financial Controller and maintain and develop the rolling 12-month cash forecast to support monthly financial reporting (working capital, liquidity etc) and any new, or progress against ongoing, requests for cash support. Prepare documentation / analysis for review by the Financial Controller relating to standing items reported to the Cash Committee. Provide sign-off for the payment runs generated by SBS for the Trust and HPSN, ensuring the Trust has cash coverage. Adhering to policies authorised by the Cash Committee, prioritise payments as necessary to ensure the Trust can meet its statutory payables and payroll commitments, clearly understanding and reporting the consequences of any actions proposed. Take responsibility and be accountable for items authorised and be ready to explain any subsequent queries. Responsibility for the performance management and development of the Financial Accountant - Group Reporting and Cash. Undertaking performance reviews, appraisals and regular 1:1 meetings. Defining and embedding Trust values and behaviours within the Department. Influencing and motivating colleagues to overcome resistance to change and implement and adapt to new ways of working, including automation and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy and timeliness. Challenge existing practices to comply with current best practice. Input into the Trust efficiency programme, identifying opportunities for the Trust to improve its margin via cost improvements, additional income or efficiencies. Responsibility for ensuring effective communication and ensuring the team has a clear understanding of what is required of them. Help ensure compliance with Corporate Governance (financial controls), Standing Orders, Standing Financial Instructions and other standards, working with colleagues across the Finance function and in the wider Trust to promote good governance practice and the highest standards of business conduct. Continually review and update policies, aligning with the above controls and standards, and to protect the Trust’s assets. Any other duties as determined appropriate by the Financial Controller, including cross-cover for the Senior Financial Accountant – Technical Accounts.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.