Financial Accountant

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To complete and reconcile control accounts ensuring balances shown in the Trust's ledgers are correct, resolving any queries either by telephone, email or face to face with Payroll, finance and other Trust departments.
• To support the Technical Services Team with the monthly, quarterly and annual Trust reporting cycles including the creation and maintenance of accurate spread sheets to support control account balances and as working papers for audit purposes.
• To run timely transaction listings and use the results to support various reporting processes.
• To prepare, upload and post journals to the General Ledger to support the month end and year end accounting processes.
• To assist with reporting requirements of the Trust's subsidiaries as required.
• To assist with the controlled input of external feeds into the general ledger in accordance with the closedown timetable to ensure integrity of the ledger balances.
• To support the Technical Services Team in managing the process for the collection and pay over of statutory payments such as Tax and National Insurance within the set deadlines.
• To assist with the preparation of the statutory monthly VAT return in accordance with the detailed HMRC guidelines, including reconciliation of the VAT control codes and review of transactions.
• To assist with the preparation of the statutory monthly Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) payments and online return.
• Communicate by both verbal and written methods in responding to enquiries from internal and external colleagues.
• To provide cover within the team as and when required.
• To prioritise and plan own workloads.
• Routinely process sensitive information and communicate this to relevant third parties whilst observing confidentiality.
• To work in accordance with Trust Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions, and to contribute towards the continuous improvement of the Financial Services Department.
• Maintain up to date knowledge in the department by attending relevant formal training, financial updates and networking events.
• The post holder will support the development, maintenance and review of financial procedures and policies. These procedures are co-ordinated in the Trust's Finance Manual which the post holder will help to ensure is understood and complied with across the Trust.
• The post holder will support the development and review of financial systems to ensure that the financial planning function can provide a comprehensive and effective service to the Trust.
• The post holder will be expected to take part, and in some instances lead, on a number of NHS modernisation initiatives.
• The post holder will work within a rotational programme, which may mean a change in responsibility periodically.
• To participate in Trust committees and meetings as appropriate.

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria

• NVQ Level 4/AAT Technical Level/NEBS Level 3 or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continual professional development and a commitment to ongoing personal development

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of a commitment to personal development and continual professional development

Experience

Essential criteria

• Fully conversant with information management and technology to a high standard
• Able to interpret complex information and system outputs

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of NHS finance systems
• Experience of working within a Finance Department and be familiar with NHS year-end financial accounts

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria

• Able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels both internally and externally, orally and in writing
• Able to communicate statutory financial regulations and NHS rules in a simplified form to non-finance people
• Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to develop and sustain productive relationships with team members and colleagues.

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential criteria

• Strong analytical and interpretative skills
• Able to analyse and interpret complex financial data & resolve queries and anomalies
• Able to carry out complex calculations and make decisions on how to resolve problems from a range of options

Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to input financial data into computer databases and spread sheets, where speed and accuracy is necessary
• Able to design, format and maintain spread sheets for specific purposes
• Potential to develop and change within the changing NHS

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria

• Ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
• Able to work independently towards expected results within defined operating policies
• Able to plan own workload to ensure weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual financial timetables are met

Other requirements specific to the role

Desirable criteria

• Have a flexible approach to working and be available to work outside normal hours as and when required

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

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