Financial Management Assistant

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

• Proven experience in a management accounts environment

Desirable

• Previous experience in a NHS finance environment
• Previous experience working at a NHS Foundation Trust

Skills

Essential

• Competent user of Microsoft Office, in particular Microsoft Excel
• Able to present finance information to non-finance users
• communication

Desirable

• Able to exploit software packages to solve problems

Knowledge

Essential

• Possess a robust understanding of financial and activity systems and to be able to extract, interpret, manipulate and present information in a meaningful way

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

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)
• 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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Christie NHS FT

Address

Financial Management - E00382

Manchester

M20 4BX

Employer's website

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)