Job Title: Head of Financial Accounts Location: East England & East Anglia

Hybrid: Minimum 2-days onsite

Sector: Healthcare  Department: Finance Salary: Band 8b  Job type: Temporary

Duration of booking: Expected to be for 6months

Pay Rates

£27.50 - £31.00 Paye Per Hour

£30.50 - £34.00 Paye Inclusive of Holiday Per Hour 

£34.00 - £39.00 Umbrella Per Hour

Depending on skills and experience 

Job Overview

The NHS Trust in East England & East Anglia is seeking an experienced and dedicated Head of Financial Accounts to lead a dynamic finance team. This role is essential in overseeing key financial services provided by both an in-house team and NHS Shared Business Services (SBS). As Head of Financial Accounts, you will be pivotal in shaping the Trust’s financial plans, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance with statutory reporting requirements.

You will be responsible for delivering best-in-class financial services, providing expert accounting advice, and supporting strategic decision-making within the Trust. You will play a central role in maintaining and enhancing the Trust’s financial control framework while fostering team development and promoting excellence in financial practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Resolution of payroll issues
• Completion of Charity review which is currently being carried out by Trust auditors (Azets)
• Daily oversight of the outsourced Operational Financial Services to NHS SBS; Setup and Payment of Suppliers, Transactional procurement (Requisitions and Purchase Orders), payroll and treasury management.
• Ensuring the Trust is compliant in producing various Statutory returns internally and externally i.e. Month and Year end accounts, Charity Accounting & VAT Returns.
• Supporting Trust wide Financial Planning of the Balance Sheet and Cash flow.
• Ensuring the integrity of the Trust financial reporting system to support accurate record of the financial position.
• Debt collection resulting from Salary overpayments.
• Budget holder training for Financial Management in areas like Cash Management, debtors& capital expenditure.
• Financial reconciliations & finance information provision including advising on technical matters such as VAT, capital and lease accounting.

Qualifications

Essential

• CCAB Qualification: Full professional qualification from a recognised accountancy body (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIPFA).
• CPD Compliance: Evidence of continuing professional development in line with institute requirements.
• Academic Background: Honours degree or equivalent qualification in finance or accounting, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience

Essential

• Senior Financial Leadership: Significant post-qualification finance experience at a senior level within the NHS or a similar complex organisation.
• Specialist Knowledge: Extensive expertise across multiple Financial Services functions, including cash and capital planning, statutory reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Staff Management: Proven experience in leading and developing finance teams, promoting effective performance and career growth.
• Annual Accounts Preparation: Demonstrated experience in producing statutory annual accounts in line with organisational and regulatory standards.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Communication Skills: Ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to non-finance stakeholders, including preparing detailed reports and Committee papers.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the capacity to make informed, autonomous decisions within established policies and frameworks.
• IT Proficiency: Competence in using financial software and Microsoft Office Suite, including financial ledger systems and database management, ensuring high levels of data accuracy and reliability.

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail: High level of precision and accuracy in financial reporting and data analysis.
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment and respond proactively to changing priorities.
• Stakeholder Management: Skilled in managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the Trust.

Questions

Do you have previous experience working within the NHS or Healthcare?

Do you have experience working as Finance Professional within the NHS?

Do you have knowledge of PFI and Leasing Accounting Models?

Do you have a proven track record of staff management including finance staff development?

Do you meet the criteria above?