Job summary
What we're looking for:
We are looking for a candidate who is keen to start or to develop a career in NHS finance.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and an enthusiastic CCAB/CIMA student, who has a proven track record in effective financial management, possess strong management and communication skills, as well as excellent analytical, technical and IT skills from within the Public or Private sector. You will have the ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple and conflicting deadlines, and have experience in working in a diverse team.
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 actively promote innovation and change to ensure we are continually working efficiently to provide a comprehensive service.
Main duties of the job
The Assistant Divisional Finance Manager role is accountable to the Clinical Support, Specialist Surgery & Drugs Division, managing a small team, and reporting into the Finance Manager and Divisional Finance Manager. In addition to working closely with other areas of the Finance Directorate.
The role provides high quality, accurate and timely financial management advice, monitoring and reporting services to a range of clinical and non-clinical divisions.You will be the lead Finance contact to the Radiology Directorate and Drugs division, being a key point of contact for budget holders and managers.
You will also provide support and input to projects, business cases and service developments.
We recognise how important a modern working practices 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 have the opportunity to work either from home or flex their time between both.
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
- Provide support to the Assistant Director of Finance (ADoF), Head of Financial Management (HoFM), Divisional Finance Manager (DFM) and Finance Manager (FM) in providing an effective monitoring and reporting service to the trust in accordance with the agreed timetables, procedures and standards prescribed within the trust.
- Produce annual budgets for division(s), calculating the annual budget from information provided by budget managers, the financial management and wider finance teams, and taking account of external factors.
- Responsible for producing the draft financial position for the division(s) for review by the DFM in accordance with the agreed timetables, procedures and standards prescribed. This will include updating the Trusts financial ledgers on a monthly basis and investigating any anomalies within the division(s) in order to resolve these in line with audit guidance.
- To ensure that all relevant financial data, including all necessary income and expenditure accruals and budget adjustments, has been uploaded in line with the monthly reporting timetable and that all inappropriate transactions are recoded in order to reflect the true financial position.
- Proactively review accruals for accuracy in conjunction with budget holders on a monthly basis and liaise with other organisations to ensure invoices are sent and received in a timely manner.
- Investigate material variances within the division(s) and analyse expenditure/income trends to inform the production of divisional year-end financial position forecasts.
- Produce detailed monthly budget statements, summaries and variance reports for the division(s). This will include a written commentary on the financial position to explain the underlying reasons for significant variances and incorporate recommendations for corrective action.
- Deputise for the FM, and be an integral part of the divisional management team working with senior managers and other budget holders, including attendance at divisional board and other meetings when necessary.
- Provide high quality professional financial management advice to budget holders and other staff including informal and formal training.
- Provide advice to a range of clinical and non-clinical divisions in accordance with the agreed timetable, procedures and standards (e.g. SFIs and SOs) within the Trust and in accordance with financial and legal requirements to relevant bodies external to the Trust (e.g. Charity Commission).
- Maintain an on-going working relationship with divisional managers in order to develop an understanding and knowledge base of the division(s) to aid the production and presentation of information to inform decision making.
- Organise and attend regular budget meetings to advise on costing of service changes, budgetary queries, forecasting, savings plans and provide other general financial guidance.
- Provide financial input into the production of business cases including accurate costs and critical analysis to support service developments that consider all financial implications of a scheme, revenue and capital, the effect the scheme has upon activity and the impact on other services. This will entail liaison with service managers to ensure the cost of delivering the scheme and its activity targets are reflected within the Trusts strategic plan.
- To provide information for business and service delivery plans for budget holders within the Trust, and to provide analysis which would facilitate easier interpretation of financial data leading to resolution of problems.
- Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of cost savings identified within the divisional action plans including input into Project Initiation Documents.
- To produce, where appropriate, trading accounts relevant within the division to reflect the financial position of these trading function.
- Work co-operatively across the finance function to ensure that common standards of accounting practice are maintained within the Trust and to share information and best practice to achieve more effective use of resources or enhance productivity; this will be encouraged through rotation of areas of responsibility.
- Contribute to and where appropriate lead on identified corporate financial projects, for example internal and external monitoring returns including the preparation of elements of the Annual Accounts process.
- To utilise report writing software with the department, in order to create a tool for more detailed analysis to be carried out therefore enhancing the proactive nature of Accounts function. This involves the design/development of complex crystal reports and the interrogation of such information through the use of data base pivot tables.
- Develop an understanding of income, commissioning and activity. To work alongside the Income and Commissioning team where appropriate.
- Develop an understanding of Service Line Reporting and Patent Level Information and Costing systems and provide information to support the refinement of cost apportionments.
- To provide cover for other financial management team members absences, including supporting other divisions.
- Responsible for prioritising own work and ensuring the achievement of work within prescribed timescales
- Exercise judgement and initiative within the scope of the role when problems arise by providing possible solutions for resolution to the FM, DFM, HoFM or ADoF. Alert the FM, DFM, HoFM or ADoF to any areas of concern.
- Responsible for the management, supervision, development and appraisal of the Financial Management Assistant(s) and ensuring that there is standardisation of tasks carried out by the Financial Management Assistants including month end working papers.
- Responsible for own development and the creation of a personal development plan, proactively identifying development opportunities and maintaining an awareness of local and national agendas. Work with FM to agree personal objectives.
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
- Provide support to the Assistant Director of Finance (ADoF), Head of Financial Management (HoFM), Divisional Finance Manager (DFM) and Finance Manager (FM) in providing an effective monitoring and reporting service to the trust in accordance with the agreed timetables, procedures and standards prescribed within the trust.
- Produce annual budgets for division(s), calculating the annual budget from information provided by budget managers, the financial management and wider finance teams, and taking account of external factors.
- Responsible for producing the draft financial position for the division(s) for review by the DFM in accordance with the agreed timetables, procedures and standards prescribed. This will include updating the Trusts financial ledgers on a monthly basis and investigating any anomalies within the division(s) in order to resolve these in line with audit guidance.
- To ensure that all relevant financial data, including all necessary income and expenditure accruals and budget adjustments, has been uploaded in line with the monthly reporting timetable and that all inappropriate transactions are recoded in order to reflect the true financial position.
- Proactively review accruals for accuracy in conjunction with budget holders on a monthly basis and liaise with other organisations to ensure invoices are sent and received in a timely manner.
- Investigate material variances within the division(s) and analyse expenditure/income trends to inform the production of divisional year-end financial position forecasts.
- Produce detailed monthly budget statements, summaries and variance reports for the division(s). This will include a written commentary on the financial position to explain the underlying reasons for significant variances and incorporate recommendations for corrective action.
- Deputise for the FM, and be an integral part of the divisional management team working with senior managers and other budget holders, including attendance at divisional board and other meetings when necessary.
- Provide high quality professional financial management advice to budget holders and other staff including informal and formal training.
- Provide advice to a range of clinical and non-clinical divisions in accordance with the agreed timetable, procedures and standards (e.g. SFIs and SOs) within the Trust and in accordance with financial and legal requirements to relevant bodies external to the Trust (e.g. Charity Commission).
- Maintain an on-going working relationship with divisional managers in order to develop an understanding and knowledge base of the division(s) to aid the production and presentation of information to inform decision making.
- Organise and attend regular budget meetings to advise on costing of service changes, budgetary queries, forecasting, savings plans and provide other general financial guidance.
- Provide financial input into the production of business cases including accurate costs and critical analysis to support service developments that consider all financial implications of a scheme, revenue and capital, the effect the scheme has upon activity and the impact on other services. This will entail liaison with service managers to ensure the cost of delivering the scheme and its activity targets are reflected within the Trusts strategic plan.
- To provide information for business and service delivery plans for budget holders within the Trust, and to provide analysis which would facilitate easier interpretation of financial data leading to resolution of problems.
- Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of cost savings identified within the divisional action plans including input into Project Initiation Documents.
- To produce, where appropriate, trading accounts relevant within the division to reflect the financial position of these trading function.
- Work co-operatively across the finance function to ensure that common standards of accounting practice are maintained within the Trust and to share information and best practice to achieve more effective use of resources or enhance productivity; this will be encouraged through rotation of areas of responsibility.
- Contribute to and where appropriate lead on identified corporate financial projects, for example internal and external monitoring returns including the preparation of elements of the Annual Accounts process.
- To utilise report writing software with the department, in order to create a tool for more detailed analysis to be carried out therefore enhancing the proactive nature of Accounts function. This involves the design/development of complex crystal reports and the interrogation of such information through the use of data base pivot tables.
- Develop an understanding of income, commissioning and activity. To work alongside the Income and Commissioning team where appropriate.
- Develop an understanding of Service Line Reporting and Patent Level Information and Costing systems and provide information to support the refinement of cost apportionments.
- To provide cover for other financial management team members absences, including supporting other divisions.
- Responsible for prioritising own work and ensuring the achievement of work within prescribed timescales
- Exercise judgement and initiative within the scope of the role when problems arise by providing possible solutions for resolution to the FM, DFM, HoFM or ADoF. Alert the FM, DFM, HoFM or ADoF to any areas of concern.
- Responsible for the management, supervision, development and appraisal of the Financial Management Assistant(s) and ensuring that there is standardisation of tasks carried out by the Financial Management Assistants including month end working papers.
- Responsible for own development and the creation of a personal development plan, proactively identifying development opportunities and maintaining an awareness of local and national agendas. Work with FM to agree personal objectives.
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
- CCAB/CIMA student undertaking exams
- Strong track record of examination performance
- Continuing with professional CCAB/CIMA training
- A comprehensive secondary education (5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English Language)
- ECDL or equivalent experience
Desirable
- CCAB/CIMA passed finalist
- Degree
- Willingness to develop through internal and external sources
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a management accounts environment, working within a complex finance department.
- Experience of computerised financial systems
- Experience of managing, motivating and developing staff
Desirable
- Experience in a NHS finance environment
- Experience of working with a range of different stakeholders
- Experience in working in a multi - agency and disciplinary environment
Skills
Essential
- Excellent analytical and reasoning skills
- Ability to prepare and present financial information to non financial people
- Planning, monitoring and influencing skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to people at all levels within the organisation
- Proficient in the use of computerised and manual financial and activity systems, including crystal reporting system, spreadsheets and database packages, and have the ability to develop systems to maximum benefits to users
- Ability to manage, motivate and develop staff.
- Ability to prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines.
- Ability to work with minimal day-to-day supervision.
- Be able to provide effective financial input into the Trust Business case submissions
- Be able to manage time effectively, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines
Knowledge
Essential
- An advanced understanding of financial management and financial accounting principles
- Possess a robust understanding of financial and activity systems and to be able to extract, interpret, manipulate and present information in a meaningful way
Desirable
- Understanding of the NHS Cancer Plan and Trust performance targets
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.
Other
Essential
- Enthusiasm, determination, motivated and positive.
- Confident approach, hardworking, committed and reliable.
- Open, honest and fair
- Treat colleagues with dignity and respect.
- 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
- Often required to switch tasks at short notice
- Frequent requirement for prolonged concentration when analysing complex data and preparing reports
- Workload and content can be unpredictable
- Minor lifting and handling in an office environment (files, boxes etc)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- CCAB/CIMA student undertaking exams
- Strong track record of examination performance
- Continuing with professional CCAB/CIMA training
- A comprehensive secondary education (5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English Language)
- ECDL or equivalent experience
Desirable
- CCAB/CIMA passed finalist
- Degree
- Willingness to develop through internal and external sources
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a management accounts environment, working within a complex finance department.
- Experience of computerised financial systems
- Experience of managing, motivating and developing staff
Desirable
- Experience in a NHS finance environment
- Experience of working with a range of different stakeholders
- Experience in working in a multi - agency and disciplinary environment
Skills
Essential
- Excellent analytical and reasoning skills
- Ability to prepare and present financial information to non financial people
- Planning, monitoring and influencing skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to people at all levels within the organisation
- Proficient in the use of computerised and manual financial and activity systems, including crystal reporting system, spreadsheets and database packages, and have the ability to develop systems to maximum benefits to users
- Ability to manage, motivate and develop staff.
- Ability to prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines.
- Ability to work with minimal day-to-day supervision.
- Be able to provide effective financial input into the Trust Business case submissions
- Be able to manage time effectively, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines
Knowledge
Essential
- An advanced understanding of financial management and financial accounting principles
- Possess a robust understanding of financial and activity systems and to be able to extract, interpret, manipulate and present information in a meaningful way
Desirable
- Understanding of the NHS Cancer Plan and Trust performance targets
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.
Other
Essential
- Enthusiasm, determination, motivated and positive.
- Confident approach, hardworking, committed and reliable.
- Open, honest and fair
- Treat colleagues with dignity and respect.
- 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
- Often required to switch tasks at short notice
- Frequent requirement for prolonged concentration when analysing complex data and preparing reports
- Workload and content can be unpredictable
- Minor lifting and handling in an office environment (files, boxes etc)
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.
