Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for the role of Accounts Payable Specialist, acting as a key member of the Treasury Services team based within Finance at Knowsley Community College.
The department is responsible for paying over 70,000 invoices per year so the ideal candidate will have experience within this area whilst using excellent IT skills to deliver customer services.
We are looking for a friendly and welcoming communication style whilealso being able to demonstrate a flexible approach to undertake duties. The successful candidate will also be a self-motivator with the commitment and resilience to provide a professional service, with effective advice and support.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Main duties of the job
The Accounts Payable Specialist main duties will be to:
- Working with a code book to ensure accurate financial coding for transactions
- Keep working papers to support all processed transactions
- Reconciling statements to Trust ledger system
- Develop good working relationships internally and externally to the Finance department.
- Championing the Trust's Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) at all times - promoting principles of financial governance to Trust-wide staff. Ensuring compliance with internal/external audit recommendations and financial procedures.
- Complete regular tasks accurately and in line with the monthly and yearly timetable.
- Ensure most effective use of the Trust's financial resources, including assisting with NFI exercise to help to reduce fraud.
About us
The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.
From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.
Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:
- CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
- SAFETY that is of the highest standards
- COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
- SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
- PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients
Our achievements include:
- Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available upon request.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Accounting and control
- Taking responsibility for accurate financial coding for transactions.
- Keeping complete and auditable records and working papers in support of all processed transactions.
- Monitoring and analysing transactions, and updating various spreadsheet reconciliations.
- Reconciling internal/third party statements to the Trusts ledger system.
- Identifying transactions requiring inclusion in the Trusts accounts within the correct financial period.
- Monitoring and investigating queries and discrepancies which may arise from internal or external sources and creating detailed explanations regarding any variances.
- Ensuring that certain accounts are reconciled and tracked. Reviewing and taking timely action to ensure that necessary actions are implemented in order to maintain effective financial control.
- Assisting in the financial month end process, ensuring that necessary monthly adjustments / accruals are completed in delegated areas of responsibility.
Other duties
- Assisting in the quarterly Agreement of Balances processes with other NHS bodies.
- Assisting in the production of the Trusts statutory Annual Accounts and other year-end financial returns, adhering to appropriate guidelines and accounting standards.
- Championing the Trusts Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) at all times - promoting principles of financial governance to Trust-wide staff. Ensuring compliance with internal/external audit recommendations and financial procedures.
- Undertaking benchmarking or other research work to underpin CPD and departmental improvement.
- Safeguarding Trust resources collecting monies due, paying out monies owed in a timely and accurate manner contributing to effective purchasing and credit control processes.
- Completing ad hoc financial accounts project work, appropriate to band, as delegated by managers.
Communication
- Responding to ad-hoc Finance management queries in a timely and accurate manner, including the servicing of audit and NFI requests.
- Providing operational advice to directors, senior managers, project managers and other operational staff on matters such as invoices and payments (via documents and/or verbally).
- Providing exemplary customer service to customers / suppliers / patients / staff / donors.
- Referring more complex matters to colleagues as appropriate, with timeliness and discretion, and following up on responses.
Team interaction and self-management
- Checking own work for accuracy and to ensure any adjustments have been entered into the ledger correctly, making any amendments as necessary.
- Managing own time in accordance with financial reporting timetables, ensuring all deadlines are met on a timely basis.
- Adapting individual work-style, working flexibly to contribute to the development of new processes and the continuous improvement of Treasury Services.
GENERAL DUTIES
- To observe the provisions of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.
- To actively participate in the annual performance review to identify personal development needs.
- To attend Trust Statutory and Mandatory Training sessions as required and any other training courses relevant to the post.
- To fully comply with the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act. You must also understand and implement Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Statement of Policy on Health and Safety at Work and the Trust corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. You are required to follow all applicable rules and procedures relating to Health and Safety at Work and to take all responsible precautions to avoid actions.
- To be aware of the confidential aspects of the post. To keep up to date with the requirements of information governance; undertake mandatory training and follow Trust policies and procedures to ensure that trust information is dealt with legally, securely, efficiently and effectively. Breaches of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action that may involve dismissal. You must maintain the confidentiality of information about service user staff and organisational business in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) and Caldicott principles
- The post holder should also be aware that, regardless of any action taken by the employing authority, breaches of confidentiality could result in civil action for damages
- All staff will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, patients and visitors and equally staff will treat management, colleagues, patients and visitors with the same level of respect. Staff will be supported to challenge any discriminatory behaviour that may be based on differences in race, disability, language, culture, religion, sexuality, age, and gender or employment status
- You will be expected to undertake the Trusts commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults
- To ensure that when creating, managing and sharing information records it is done in an appropriate way, subject to statutory requirements and agreed security and confidentiality policies, procedures and guidelines. All employees are responsible for implementing and maintaining data quality, ensuring that records are legible and attributable and that the record keeping is contemporaneous
- In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will actively participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role. The Act requires the post holder to attend infection prevention and control training on induction and at regular updates and to take responsibility for the practical application of the training in the course of their work. Infection prevention and control must be included in any personal development plan and/or appraisal
- To adhere to relevant Code of Practice of Professional body (if appropriate)
- The post holder must be flexible in the duties performed and it is expected that similar duties, not specifically listed above, will be carried out as required and may be cross site.
- The duties contained in this job description are not intended to be exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities of this post are likely to evolve in line with the Trusts continued organisational development
- To adhere to the NHS Constitution and its principles and values. You must be aware of your Duty of Candour which means that you must be open and honest during your employment and if you see something wrong, you must raise it. You must read the NHS Constitution in full and can download this from the Trusts intranet site or the gov.uk website. Hard copies are available from the HR Department on request
- The Trust is a non-smoking site. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action
- MWL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and where discrimination is outlawed, and staff and service users are equally valued and supported. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
- Flexible working requests will be considered and any decisions based on service need.
- Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria will be interviewed. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to our recruitment process please contact a member of the Finance Team on 0151 426 1600 at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place to enable your application for this post.
- Any trans applicants who will require a DBS check and do not want to reveal details of their previous identity can contact the DBS Sensitive Applications Team (0151 676 1452 or email sensitive@dbs.gsi.gov.uk) with their application number once they have completed their DBS application form. The team are then able to prevent any previous identity showing on the DBS Certificate, unless the applicant has a conviction under their previous details in which case this will need to be disclosed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Accounting and control
- Taking responsibility for accurate financial coding for transactions.
- Keeping complete and auditable records and working papers in support of all processed transactions.
- Monitoring and analysing transactions, and updating various spreadsheet reconciliations.
- Reconciling internal/third party statements to the Trusts ledger system.
- Identifying transactions requiring inclusion in the Trusts accounts within the correct financial period.
- Monitoring and investigating queries and discrepancies which may arise from internal or external sources and creating detailed explanations regarding any variances.
- Ensuring that certain accounts are reconciled and tracked. Reviewing and taking timely action to ensure that necessary actions are implemented in order to maintain effective financial control.
- Assisting in the financial month end process, ensuring that necessary monthly adjustments / accruals are completed in delegated areas of responsibility.
Other duties
- Assisting in the quarterly Agreement of Balances processes with other NHS bodies.
- Assisting in the production of the Trusts statutory Annual Accounts and other year-end financial returns, adhering to appropriate guidelines and accounting standards.
- Championing the Trusts Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) at all times - promoting principles of financial governance to Trust-wide staff. Ensuring compliance with internal/external audit recommendations and financial procedures.
- Undertaking benchmarking or other research work to underpin CPD and departmental improvement.
- Safeguarding Trust resources collecting monies due, paying out monies owed in a timely and accurate manner contributing to effective purchasing and credit control processes.
- Completing ad hoc financial accounts project work, appropriate to band, as delegated by managers.
Communication
- Responding to ad-hoc Finance management queries in a timely and accurate manner, including the servicing of audit and NFI requests.
- Providing operational advice to directors, senior managers, project managers and other operational staff on matters such as invoices and payments (via documents and/or verbally).
- Providing exemplary customer service to customers / suppliers / patients / staff / donors.
- Referring more complex matters to colleagues as appropriate, with timeliness and discretion, and following up on responses.
Team interaction and self-management
- Checking own work for accuracy and to ensure any adjustments have been entered into the ledger correctly, making any amendments as necessary.
- Managing own time in accordance with financial reporting timetables, ensuring all deadlines are met on a timely basis.
- Adapting individual work-style, working flexibly to contribute to the development of new processes and the continuous improvement of Treasury Services.
GENERAL DUTIES
- To observe the provisions of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.
- To actively participate in the annual performance review to identify personal development needs.
- To attend Trust Statutory and Mandatory Training sessions as required and any other training courses relevant to the post.
- To fully comply with the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act. You must also understand and implement Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Statement of Policy on Health and Safety at Work and the Trust corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. You are required to follow all applicable rules and procedures relating to Health and Safety at Work and to take all responsible precautions to avoid actions.
- To be aware of the confidential aspects of the post. To keep up to date with the requirements of information governance; undertake mandatory training and follow Trust policies and procedures to ensure that trust information is dealt with legally, securely, efficiently and effectively. Breaches of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action that may involve dismissal. You must maintain the confidentiality of information about service user staff and organisational business in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) and Caldicott principles
- The post holder should also be aware that, regardless of any action taken by the employing authority, breaches of confidentiality could result in civil action for damages
- All staff will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, patients and visitors and equally staff will treat management, colleagues, patients and visitors with the same level of respect. Staff will be supported to challenge any discriminatory behaviour that may be based on differences in race, disability, language, culture, religion, sexuality, age, and gender or employment status
- You will be expected to undertake the Trusts commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults
- To ensure that when creating, managing and sharing information records it is done in an appropriate way, subject to statutory requirements and agreed security and confidentiality policies, procedures and guidelines. All employees are responsible for implementing and maintaining data quality, ensuring that records are legible and attributable and that the record keeping is contemporaneous
- In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will actively participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role. The Act requires the post holder to attend infection prevention and control training on induction and at regular updates and to take responsibility for the practical application of the training in the course of their work. Infection prevention and control must be included in any personal development plan and/or appraisal
- To adhere to relevant Code of Practice of Professional body (if appropriate)
- The post holder must be flexible in the duties performed and it is expected that similar duties, not specifically listed above, will be carried out as required and may be cross site.
- The duties contained in this job description are not intended to be exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities of this post are likely to evolve in line with the Trusts continued organisational development
- To adhere to the NHS Constitution and its principles and values. You must be aware of your Duty of Candour which means that you must be open and honest during your employment and if you see something wrong, you must raise it. You must read the NHS Constitution in full and can download this from the Trusts intranet site or the gov.uk website. Hard copies are available from the HR Department on request
- The Trust is a non-smoking site. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action
- MWL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and where discrimination is outlawed, and staff and service users are equally valued and supported. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
- Flexible working requests will be considered and any decisions based on service need.
- Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria will be interviewed. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to our recruitment process please contact a member of the Finance Team on 0151 426 1600 at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place to enable your application for this post.
- Any trans applicants who will require a DBS check and do not want to reveal details of their previous identity can contact the DBS Sensitive Applications Team (0151 676 1452 or email sensitive@dbs.gsi.gov.uk) with their application number once they have completed their DBS application form. The team are then able to prevent any previous identity showing on the DBS Certificate, unless the applicant has a conviction under their previous details in which case this will need to be disclosed.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Obtained or at final stage of AAT Level 3 (Intermediate) or equivalent qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- GCSE Maths and English - Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent
Desirable
- Membership of a professional body and evidence of on-going professional training & development.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience in a Corporate Finance (transactions) or customer service environment.
- Experience of providing advice and guidance to other finance professionals and non-financial managers.
- Knowledge pertaining to financial control, best practice and financial procedures.
- Good IT knowledge (including financial systems and Microsoft Office package).
- Knowledge of accounting and finance - basic concepts and principles - as applied to financial ledgers and feeder systems, reconciliation and financial reporting.
Desirable
- Experience of finance within the NHS
- Experience using Oracle system
- Knowledge of sector-specific NHS finance, including VAT
Skills
Essential
- Attention to detail, with a methodical and thorough approach.
- Analytical and problem solving skills, with an ability to interpret complex transaction reports.
- Ability to concentrate frequently for sustained periods on complex calculations, with accurate results.
- Ability to manage own workload under supervision, meeting targets and strict deadlines.
- Excellent communication (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills.
- Able to handle confidential information and adopt tact and diplomacy where necessary.
- Ability to work as part of a team and contribute to overall team effectiveness.
- Have a flexible and adaptable approach
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between Trust sites when necessary.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Obtained or at final stage of AAT Level 3 (Intermediate) or equivalent qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- GCSE Maths and English - Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent
Desirable
- Membership of a professional body and evidence of on-going professional training & development.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience in a Corporate Finance (transactions) or customer service environment.
- Experience of providing advice and guidance to other finance professionals and non-financial managers.
- Knowledge pertaining to financial control, best practice and financial procedures.
- Good IT knowledge (including financial systems and Microsoft Office package).
- Knowledge of accounting and finance - basic concepts and principles - as applied to financial ledgers and feeder systems, reconciliation and financial reporting.
Desirable
- Experience of finance within the NHS
- Experience using Oracle system
- Knowledge of sector-specific NHS finance, including VAT
Skills
Essential
- Attention to detail, with a methodical and thorough approach.
- Analytical and problem solving skills, with an ability to interpret complex transaction reports.
- Ability to concentrate frequently for sustained periods on complex calculations, with accurate results.
- Ability to manage own workload under supervision, meeting targets and strict deadlines.
- Excellent communication (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills.
- Able to handle confidential information and adopt tact and diplomacy where necessary.
- Ability to work as part of a team and contribute to overall team effectiveness.
- Have a flexible and adaptable approach
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between Trust sites when necessary.
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.
