Job summary
The Costing Team provides services to both Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KGH) and Northampton General Hospital (NGH). KGH and NGH are a hospital Group; University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group with each Trust retaining its sovereignty.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Costing Manager (AFC band 7), or Assistant Costing Manager (AFC band 6), depending on experience. Candidates with less experience can be considered for a development programme to commence as a band 6 and upon successful completion of the programme to progress to Costing Manager (band 7).
This is an exciting opportunity to join Northampton General Hospital and be part of a newly created Groupwide Costing and Benchmarking Service and support the development and imbedding of a relatively new costing system and reporting across the Group.
We are looking for a motivated individual who is excited by the challenge that this role offers and who is committed to continuous improvement. You will feel at the heart of the organisation working with services to understand how services run and how they support patients.
Given the specialist skillset of the role, we would like you to have strong Microsoft Excel knowledge with good analytical and data skills (the role will require some basic SQL and Power BI knowledge). Ideally you will have previous Costing experience and though this is not essential to apply, experience in a Finance or Data Analyst role is a must.
Main duties of the job
Lead responsibility for the operation and integrity of the Trust's Service Line Reporting and Costing system, and to be the primary source of technical expertise of this system.
Lead responsibility for obtaining the source data required for the production of Costing information.
Through the operation of the costing system and reporting software (Qlikview/Power BI) provide comprehensive Financial Performance Analysis and Reports e.g. by Specialty to the Costing and Benchmarking Lead.
Proactively produce exception analysis to the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in respect of unexpected areas of variation.
To work with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in the ongoing design and development of SLR Corporate financial performance information and reports e.g. Finance Investment Performance Committee (FIPC) reports.
Conduct Speciality Service Reviews either independently or in conjunction with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead, providing tailored information to end users to facilitate understanding of the financial results and implications as well as the key principles and assumptions behind SLR and Costing.
Interact with Finance Managers during Service Reviews (including any review meetings with Clinicians) to improve their understanding of SLR but also to ensure their service knowledge contributes to the process
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Lead responsibility for the operation and integrity of the Trusts Service Line Reporting and Costing system, and to be the primary source of technical expertise of this system.
Lead responsibility for obtaining the source data required for the production of Costing information.
Through the operation of the costing system and reporting software (Qlikview/Power BI) provide comprehensive Financial Performance Analysis and Reports e.g. by Specialty to the Costing and Benchmarking Lead.
Proactively produce exception analysis to the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in respect of unexpected areas of variation.
To work with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in the ongoing design and development of SLR Corporate financial performance information and reports e.g. Finance Investment Performance Committee (FIPC) reports.
Conduct Speciality Service Reviews either independently or in conjunction with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead, providing tailored information to end users to facilitate understanding of the financial results and implications as well as the key principles and assumptions behind SLR and Costing.
Interact with Finance Managers during Service Reviews (including any review meetings with Clinicians) to improve their understanding of SLR but also to ensure their service knowledge contributes to the process
In conjunction with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead, develop initiatives and activities to further embed SLR as a source of Operational Intelligence within the Trust including sourcing and reviewing examples of good practice from other Trusts.
To be the primary technical point of contact for Costing across the trust and act as a reference point for queries on SLR, Reference Costs or Costing in general
To set up and manage a programme of validations and rolling reviews of assumptions and methodologies within the costing system utilising the knowledge of Finance and Service Managers.
Ensuring that any service changes are reflected accurately within the Costing System.
To continually and proactively develop Costing within the Trust, developing working relationships with Financial, Service and Information Managers plus Senior Clinical staff, with the objectives of developing and improving data quality, systems, methodologies and processes which enhance the accuracy of costing.
Supporting the Trusts Clinically led costing group
Awareness of outcome measures across the Trust and how these may dovetail into costing information in a value equation
Being the recognised technical Costing System lead and liaison with software suppliers, Information and IT in problem solving, information sourcing and system development
Along with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead complete the following National costing returns including:
National Cost Collection submissions including its various components such as Education and Training
Patient Level Costing submissions (PLICS) under the Costing Transformation Programme (CTP)
CTP Implementation Activities including NHSI work programmes, Costing Assessment Tools etc
In conjunction with the NHSI CTP demonstrate specialist knowledge to independently interpret and make value judgements on the National Costing Standards, identification of gaps within the Trust and proactively assist the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in developing and implementing robust internal costing processes and methodologies which are compliant with these National Standards.
Assist in the review of National Benchmarking information e.g. Model Hospital, NHSI PLICS portals and the provision of further internal analysis to further examine significant variations.
Develop and maintain process documentation and manuals for internal and external SLR / Costing processes.
Responsibility for the delivery of SLR and Costing Training across the Trust including:
Initial training of the SLR Dashboard and analytical tools to end users including being a source of on-going advice and support beyond initial training
Training of Finance and Assistant Finance Managers on the mechanics and assumptions behind SLR
Generic Buddying and Shadowing overview Training
Representing the Trusts Costing team at Internal and External (including NHSI) costing meetings.
Other:
Continuing professional development is required by attending appropriate HFMA and NHSI courses including Webinars, Software User Groups, sharing best practice events, learning on the job and being regularly involved with department activities.
Previous Costing experience is required.
The ability to source and manage large volumes of data from multiple sources.
The ability to interact with non-finance professionals in what are sometimes difficult circumstances.
A working knowledge of Word and expert knowledge of Excel, Access, or other key spreadsheet packages.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Lead responsibility for the operation and integrity of the Trusts Service Line Reporting and Costing system, and to be the primary source of technical expertise of this system.
Lead responsibility for obtaining the source data required for the production of Costing information.
Through the operation of the costing system and reporting software (Qlikview/Power BI) provide comprehensive Financial Performance Analysis and Reports e.g. by Specialty to the Costing and Benchmarking Lead.
Proactively produce exception analysis to the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in respect of unexpected areas of variation.
To work with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in the ongoing design and development of SLR Corporate financial performance information and reports e.g. Finance Investment Performance Committee (FIPC) reports.
Conduct Speciality Service Reviews either independently or in conjunction with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead, providing tailored information to end users to facilitate understanding of the financial results and implications as well as the key principles and assumptions behind SLR and Costing.
Interact with Finance Managers during Service Reviews (including any review meetings with Clinicians) to improve their understanding of SLR but also to ensure their service knowledge contributes to the process
In conjunction with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead, develop initiatives and activities to further embed SLR as a source of Operational Intelligence within the Trust including sourcing and reviewing examples of good practice from other Trusts.
To be the primary technical point of contact for Costing across the trust and act as a reference point for queries on SLR, Reference Costs or Costing in general
To set up and manage a programme of validations and rolling reviews of assumptions and methodologies within the costing system utilising the knowledge of Finance and Service Managers.
Ensuring that any service changes are reflected accurately within the Costing System.
To continually and proactively develop Costing within the Trust, developing working relationships with Financial, Service and Information Managers plus Senior Clinical staff, with the objectives of developing and improving data quality, systems, methodologies and processes which enhance the accuracy of costing.
Supporting the Trusts Clinically led costing group
Awareness of outcome measures across the Trust and how these may dovetail into costing information in a value equation
Being the recognised technical Costing System lead and liaison with software suppliers, Information and IT in problem solving, information sourcing and system development
Along with the Costing and Benchmarking Lead complete the following National costing returns including:
National Cost Collection submissions including its various components such as Education and Training
Patient Level Costing submissions (PLICS) under the Costing Transformation Programme (CTP)
CTP Implementation Activities including NHSI work programmes, Costing Assessment Tools etc
In conjunction with the NHSI CTP demonstrate specialist knowledge to independently interpret and make value judgements on the National Costing Standards, identification of gaps within the Trust and proactively assist the Costing and Benchmarking Lead in developing and implementing robust internal costing processes and methodologies which are compliant with these National Standards.
Assist in the review of National Benchmarking information e.g. Model Hospital, NHSI PLICS portals and the provision of further internal analysis to further examine significant variations.
Develop and maintain process documentation and manuals for internal and external SLR / Costing processes.
Responsibility for the delivery of SLR and Costing Training across the Trust including:
Initial training of the SLR Dashboard and analytical tools to end users including being a source of on-going advice and support beyond initial training
Training of Finance and Assistant Finance Managers on the mechanics and assumptions behind SLR
Generic Buddying and Shadowing overview Training
Representing the Trusts Costing team at Internal and External (including NHSI) costing meetings.
Other:
Continuing professional development is required by attending appropriate HFMA and NHSI courses including Webinars, Software User Groups, sharing best practice events, learning on the job and being regularly involved with department activities.
Previous Costing experience is required.
The ability to source and manage large volumes of data from multiple sources.
The ability to interact with non-finance professionals in what are sometimes difficult circumstances.
A working knowledge of Word and expert knowledge of Excel, Access, or other key spreadsheet packages.
Person Specification
Key Competencies/ Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- Be able to manage time effectively, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines.
- Enthusiasm, determination, motivated and positive 'can do' attitude.
- Be prepared to constructively question and challenge the performance of team members, and other stakeholders.
- Confident approach, hardworking, committed, and reliable
Skills
Essential
- Through significant Costing or Financial Management experience, demonstrate excellent Financial Analysis and Interpretation skills including an ability to identify issues, variations, reasoning from underlying data and report, present this analysis back to end users
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, and be able to communicate both verbally and in writing complex, technical, sensitive or contentious financial information, to Finance Managers, Services Managers and Clinicians for a variety of purposes including Service analysis and review, sourcing information and development of costing methodologies
- Advanced IT literacy with experience of using a Patient Level Costing System, a good command of Microsoft Office and advanced spreadsheet skills
- Able to ensure target dates are adhered to through organisation of own workload.
Desirable
- Highly developed technical information skills including SQL and Access databases.
Education, Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject e.g. accountancy or financial discipline, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Part-qualified CCAB accountant, finalist, professional stage or equivalent.
Desirable
- Full CCAB accountancy qualification.
- 2 years finance experience in an NHS organisation.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience of the provision of a SLR and Costing Service in a large complex environment.
- Using of Costing Software for the production of quarterly and annual Costing Models.
- Use of SLR Output and Dashboards to interpret, report and advise on the SLR Financial position.
- Experience in reviewing in conjunction with Finance and Service colleagues the assumptions and methodologies behind costing with a view to consistent improvement in the quality of Costing information.
- Experience of being a source of Costing technical expertise and utilising that expertise in forging working relations with connected parties e.g. Software Suppliers and IT.
- Experience of using costing expertise to provide SLR and Costing Training to stakeholders e.g. Finance Managers.
Desirable
- Experience of Managing or Supervising Staff.
- Understanding the wider NHS economy and context including primary, community, secondary and tertiary Health Care .
- Experience of working in wider Financial sectors e.g. Financial Management.
Person Specification
Key Competencies/ Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- Be able to manage time effectively, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines.
- Enthusiasm, determination, motivated and positive 'can do' attitude.
- Be prepared to constructively question and challenge the performance of team members, and other stakeholders.
- Confident approach, hardworking, committed, and reliable
Skills
Essential
- Through significant Costing or Financial Management experience, demonstrate excellent Financial Analysis and Interpretation skills including an ability to identify issues, variations, reasoning from underlying data and report, present this analysis back to end users
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, and be able to communicate both verbally and in writing complex, technical, sensitive or contentious financial information, to Finance Managers, Services Managers and Clinicians for a variety of purposes including Service analysis and review, sourcing information and development of costing methodologies
- Advanced IT literacy with experience of using a Patient Level Costing System, a good command of Microsoft Office and advanced spreadsheet skills
- Able to ensure target dates are adhered to through organisation of own workload.
Desirable
- Highly developed technical information skills including SQL and Access databases.
Education, Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject e.g. accountancy or financial discipline, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Part-qualified CCAB accountant, finalist, professional stage or equivalent.
Desirable
- Full CCAB accountancy qualification.
- 2 years finance experience in an NHS organisation.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience of the provision of a SLR and Costing Service in a large complex environment.
- Using of Costing Software for the production of quarterly and annual Costing Models.
- Use of SLR Output and Dashboards to interpret, report and advise on the SLR Financial position.
- Experience in reviewing in conjunction with Finance and Service colleagues the assumptions and methodologies behind costing with a view to consistent improvement in the quality of Costing information.
- Experience of being a source of Costing technical expertise and utilising that expertise in forging working relations with connected parties e.g. Software Suppliers and IT.
- Experience of using costing expertise to provide SLR and Costing Training to stakeholders e.g. Finance Managers.
Desirable
- Experience of Managing or Supervising Staff.
- Understanding the wider NHS economy and context including primary, community, secondary and tertiary Health Care .
- Experience of working in wider Financial sectors e.g. Financial Management.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
