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.

Main Duties

• 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.
• 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 Trust’s financial and non-financial activities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• CCAB or CIMA qualified
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Desirable criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant financial accounting and staff management experience gained at a senior level in a large complex organisation
• A proven track record of managing budgets, financial planning and reporting, and analysis of performance data
• Considerable experience of managing highly complex projects across an organisation and implementing financial systems
• Experience of producing working papers to support production of annual accounts

Skills

Essential criteria

• Ability to communicate effectively with all disciplines and seniorities
• Ability to understand and interpret complex financial information
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills with an ability to lead change
• Proven leadership and staff management skills including mentoring and coaching of staff

Desirable criteria

• Ability to handle difficult and emotional situations

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Detailed understanding of the NHS Financial Regime and accounting standards
• Strong computer literacy with particular regard to Microsoft Office applications

Desirable criteria

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word

Additional

Essential criteria

• Flexible approach to work
• Strongly proactive and solution orientated
• Qualities of perseverance, flexibility, determination and adaptability
• Team worker able to collaborate and delegate
• Ability to prioritise and work with imposed deadlines
• Creative and innovative
• Ability to travel between hospital sites

At WWL we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

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