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Assistant Accountant

NHS Jobs • Full-time • Exeter, EX2 5AF • 1w ago

To support the finance team and operational Managers in provision of data requests, reconciliations and reports in a timely manner, ensuring financial information is processed in accordance with procedures and in order to provide information for statutory returns. 2. Assist with the maintenance, input, updating and reconciliation of computerised budgetary control systems. This involves developing spreadsheets and databases for specific purposes and undertaking enquiries on several financial based systems. The post requires using a computer on a daily basis with speed and accuracy. 3. To deputise for finance colleagues at meetings etc. when required. 4. Assist in all aspects of supplying financial information to key stakeholders including non-financial staff when requested. This will include variance analysis, analysis of pay and non-pay, evaluating a range of options, supporting business cases, directorate performance reporting etc. This will involve providing and receiving complex and contentious information, some of which may be sensitive. 5. Meet with relevant stakeholders on an on-going basis advising on the current financial position. This may involve travel between different sites. 6. Working as a finance team, adopting a task-based approach to workload, which will be co-ordinated by Senior Accountants and Accountants. 7. To ensure every process has an accurate procedure note that can be interpreted by both finance and non-finance colleagues. 8. To provide guidance and interpretation of the Trusts Financial Procedures, Scheme of Delegation, Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions where necessary. 9. Manage own time and workload in accordance with monthly / annual and ad-hoc timetables, ensuring all deadlines are met on a timely basis. 10. To deliver informal training to work colleagues and non-finance staff on a range of subjects related to own area and a range of general procedures. 11. Contribute to the effectiveness of accounting systems, processes and procedures and make recommendations to reduce costs and enhance value. 12. Undertake other duties as agreed with the Accountants, Senior Accountants, Assistant Director of Finance. 13. Line management of Finance Assistants (Bands 2, 3 or 4) where relevant. 14. To attend and contribute to both the wider finance team developments such as attendance of away days, the annual Budget Holders Conference etc. Separately, to contribute to non-finance communications such as the Budget Holders Newsletter etc. The role will have the following duties and responsibilities: Communication & Working Relationships Advise managers on financial queries in connection with their performance which may be contentious. Provide support primarily to the finance team which will involve working with all levels of staff across the wider finance team. Respond appropriately to queries, investigating all areas of concern, within an agreed timescale, thereby maintaining good working relationships. Deputise for the respective Accountant as appropriate. Discuss sensitive issues and communicate performance issues relating to staff. Analytical and Judgemental Skills Analyse and interpret financial queries and analyse detailed data to identify errors and discrepancies. Carry out complex financial calculations. Planning & Organisational Skills Assist in the provision of financial support to managers in relation to their core areas as set out above for each assistant accountant. Prepare, plan and monitor core areas of work within the annual planning process. Carry out periodic reviews to reflect current operational practice, in conjunction with respective Accountants and managers. Assist in the production of the Trusts statutory accounts and of routinely reconciled control accounts. Plan and manage own work within weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual financial timetables. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy The postholder will occasionally be required to answer queries from patients/members of the public on general financial issues. Responsibility for Policy / Service Development Analyse variances and interpret results. Work with respective Accountants in the production of monthly financial reports with the aim of providing accurate year-end projections. Support the respective Accountant / Senior Accountants in ensuring that the Trusts financial procedures and policies are in place, communicated to other staff and adhered to at all times. Undertake project work within the team (e.g. business cases, analysing the cost implications of developments) whether to support the objective of the Finance Department or the Directorates. Work with the finance team on corporate projects designed to improve the efficiency of the Trust. Create and develop reports and documents, particularly financial spreadsheets. Propose changes to working practices and procedures and implement procedures set by others. Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources Provide guidance to other members of the finance team as appropriate. Responsibility for Human Resources Allocate work and day to day management to Finance Assistants (Bands 2, 3 or 4), where required, including induction training for staff. Assist with recruitment, appraisal, discipline, training and delegation of tasks where required. Responsibility for Information Resources Input financial data into computerised and paper databases/systems. Create financial spreadsheets. Responsibility for Research and Development On a continuous basis the post-holder is required to review, adapt and contribute to the design of financial systems to enhance the performance of the team and the Trust. Freedom to Act Work within policies and procedures.