Job summary
What we're looking for:
We are looking for a candidate who is keen to start or to continue their career in NHS finance. The successful candidate will be highly motivated with a strong work ethic. The post would be suitable for a recent graduate or for an individual with experience of working in a finance environment.
The ability to work to tight deadlines and manage a diverse workload is essential. A practical, proactive and flexible approach is key to successful performance within the role, as is the ability to work with spreadsheets and finance systems.
Why you should work with us:
Join our highly motivated, enthusiastic, and inclusive team and have the privilege of working for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, the largest single site cancer centre in Europe. We hold the patients at the heart of everything we do, striving to transform cancer treatments and improve outcomes for our patients, at the same time offering a range of training both internally and externally, along with mentoring programmes and study support.
We recognise how important modern working practices are to enable our employees to maximise their performance and productivity whilst maintaining an excellent work life balance and so have adopted a hybrid office/home working approach where employees can work predominantly from home or flex their time between both.
Main duties of the job
Supporting a Divisional Finance Manager, Corporate Finance Manager and Assistant Divisional Finance Manager, you will assist the team in providing a comprehensive financial support service to a range of non-clinical divisions. Alongside this you will contribute to reporting the performance of the whole Trust both internally and externally.
You will support in the provision of high quality, accurate and timely financial management information and advice including month end reporting, budget queries and assisting in costing skill mix changes, service changes and contract award papers.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Head of Financial Management (HoFM), Divisional Finance Manager (DFM) and Assistant Divisional Finance Manager (ADFM) in providing an effective monitoring and reporting service to the trust in accordance with the agreed timetables, procedures and standards prescribed within the trust.
- To assist in the preparation of revenue budgets and to provide financial advice/information to budget holders regarding these budgets. This includes the verification of previous years budget brought forward, setting for example staffing, income budgets etc. for the current year and is responsible for the reconciliation of budget entry on a monthly basis.
- To investigate material variances from budgets, using budget variance analysis (e.g. compilation of pay spreadsheets, completion of income reconciliations based on activity undertaken) under the direction of the DFM / ADFM and to report findings or conclusions and provide a range of options for resolution to the relevant managers within agreed timescales. This will facilitate forecasting the levels of expenditure/activity/income within those directorates whilst highlighting pressures as soon as they arise.
- To keep records of budget queries and any corresponding responses in a format determined by the DFM / ADFM to enable a regular review to be made of the service provided to the managers.
- Contributing to meetings with budget holders on behalf of the DFM / ADFM and ensuring that all discussions and decisions are documented. Develop a greater understanding of the division in order to present the information required in a format which is easily understood by budget holders.
- To assist in the day-to-day management of the general ledger, this includes input of journals, maintenance of the purchase ledger supplies accounts, creation of financial codes within the trust structure, maintenance of budget holders names within the trust structure and clearance of error suspense in accordance with accounting procedure.
- Ensure on a monthly basis that appropriate accruals and pre-payment are accurately included in the Trust current and forecast financial position.
- Preparation of monthly sales invoice information extracted from data files. This involves liaising with both departments and customers to resolve invoice queries to a satisfactory conclusion. Ensure that the sales ledger monthly timetable is adhered to meet invoicing deadlines.
- Provide detailed costing information to business managers on proposed changes i.e. Business & Service plans, staff working patterns. Update budget spreadsheets to reflect changes and upload budgets to the general ledger.
- To become an integral member of the finance department by participating in and contributing to identified corporate financial projects, for example the preparation of elements of the Annual Accounts process.
- Complete Change of Establishment Procedures inputting amendments onto EPS system and working together in collaboration with Human Resources Department.
- Plan and prioritise workload in accordance with the monthly timetable with limited supervision.
- Extensive daily data entry input involved in role to provide accurate information on a timely basis for the general ledger, Payroll system and relevant databases.
- Assist with any ad hoc tasks including telephone queries, postal duties, attendance recording and to cascade knowledge of procedures and tasks to other colleagues within the finance department.
- Cover for other staff, commensurate with grade, in their absence.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, but reflects the main responsibilities of the post holder. Other duties may be required from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the post. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Head of Financial Management (HoFM), Divisional Finance Manager (DFM) and Assistant Divisional Finance Manager (ADFM) in providing an effective monitoring and reporting service to the trust in accordance with the agreed timetables, procedures and standards prescribed within the trust.
- To assist in the preparation of revenue budgets and to provide financial advice/information to budget holders regarding these budgets. This includes the verification of previous years budget brought forward, setting for example staffing, income budgets etc. for the current year and is responsible for the reconciliation of budget entry on a monthly basis.
- To investigate material variances from budgets, using budget variance analysis (e.g. compilation of pay spreadsheets, completion of income reconciliations based on activity undertaken) under the direction of the DFM / ADFM and to report findings or conclusions and provide a range of options for resolution to the relevant managers within agreed timescales. This will facilitate forecasting the levels of expenditure/activity/income within those directorates whilst highlighting pressures as soon as they arise.
- To keep records of budget queries and any corresponding responses in a format determined by the DFM / ADFM to enable a regular review to be made of the service provided to the managers.
- Contributing to meetings with budget holders on behalf of the DFM / ADFM and ensuring that all discussions and decisions are documented. Develop a greater understanding of the division in order to present the information required in a format which is easily understood by budget holders.
- To assist in the day-to-day management of the general ledger, this includes input of journals, maintenance of the purchase ledger supplies accounts, creation of financial codes within the trust structure, maintenance of budget holders names within the trust structure and clearance of error suspense in accordance with accounting procedure.
- Ensure on a monthly basis that appropriate accruals and pre-payment are accurately included in the Trust current and forecast financial position.
- Preparation of monthly sales invoice information extracted from data files. This involves liaising with both departments and customers to resolve invoice queries to a satisfactory conclusion. Ensure that the sales ledger monthly timetable is adhered to meet invoicing deadlines.
- Provide detailed costing information to business managers on proposed changes i.e. Business & Service plans, staff working patterns. Update budget spreadsheets to reflect changes and upload budgets to the general ledger.
- To become an integral member of the finance department by participating in and contributing to identified corporate financial projects, for example the preparation of elements of the Annual Accounts process.
- Complete Change of Establishment Procedures inputting amendments onto EPS system and working together in collaboration with Human Resources Department.
- Plan and prioritise workload in accordance with the monthly timetable with limited supervision.
- Extensive daily data entry input involved in role to provide accurate information on a timely basis for the general ledger, Payroll system and relevant databases.
- Assist with any ad hoc tasks including telephone queries, postal duties, attendance recording and to cascade knowledge of procedures and tasks to other colleagues within the finance department.
- Cover for other staff, commensurate with grade, in their absence.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, but reflects the main responsibilities of the post holder. Other duties may be required from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the post. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- AAT Technician/ NVQ level 4 finance/accountancy qualification/ studying final year of apprenticeship scheme or relevant experience
- A comprehensive secondary education (5 GCSEs or equivalent)
Desirable
- Willingness to develop through internal and external sources
- Degree
- Actively studying for a CCAB/CIMA qualification
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a finance environment
Desirable
- Proven experience in a management accounts environment
- Previous experience working at an NHS Foundation Trust
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
Essential
- Competent user of Microsoft Office, in particular Microsoft Excel
- Able to present finance information to non-finance users
- Able to prepare and present financial reports
- Possess a robust understanding of financial and activity systems and to be able to extract, interpret, manipulate and present information in a meaningful way
- Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to people at all levels within the organisation
Desirable
- Able to exploit software packages to solve problems
VALUES
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS (Physical demands)
Essential
- Significant use of computer VDU screen/keyboard
- Frequent requirement for concentration when inputting data, checking and reconciling information, making calculations and when answering queries from staff, managers and clinicians
- Minor lifting and handling in an office environment (files, boxes etc)
OTHER
Essential
- Be able to manage time effectively, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines
- Enthusiasm, determination, motivated and positive
- Confident approach, hardworking, committed and reliable
- Open, honest and fair
- Treat colleagues with dignity and respect.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- AAT Technician/ NVQ level 4 finance/accountancy qualification/ studying final year of apprenticeship scheme or relevant experience
- A comprehensive secondary education (5 GCSEs or equivalent)
Desirable
- Willingness to develop through internal and external sources
- Degree
- Actively studying for a CCAB/CIMA qualification
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a finance environment
Desirable
- Proven experience in a management accounts environment
- Previous experience working at an NHS Foundation Trust
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
Essential
- Competent user of Microsoft Office, in particular Microsoft Excel
- Able to present finance information to non-finance users
- Able to prepare and present financial reports
- Possess a robust understanding of financial and activity systems and to be able to extract, interpret, manipulate and present information in a meaningful way
- Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to people at all levels within the organisation
Desirable
- Able to exploit software packages to solve problems
VALUES
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS (Physical demands)
Essential
- Significant use of computer VDU screen/keyboard
- Frequent requirement for concentration when inputting data, checking and reconciling information, making calculations and when answering queries from staff, managers and clinicians
- Minor lifting and handling in an office environment (files, boxes etc)
OTHER
Essential
- Be able to manage time effectively, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines
- Enthusiasm, determination, motivated and positive
- Confident approach, hardworking, committed and reliable
- Open, honest and fair
- Treat colleagues with dignity and respect.
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.
