Finance Assistant, Band 3

NHS; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Finance Assistant to join their Corporate Finance team. The role involves managing financial data, supporting budget processes, and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting. Ideal candidates will have an AAT qualification, strong numeracy skills, and the ability to work under pressure. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 18 months, offering a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Experience of basic book-keeping skills equivalent to Foundation level Accountancy Technician (AAT) qualification required.
• High standard of computer literacy with demonstrable experience of common office based software.
• Ability to accurately and efficiently process large volumes of data.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate input of financial information to the ledger and associated systems.
• Assist in the preparation and input of budget and expenditure journals.
• Respond to ad hoc queries around sensitive and confidential issues.

Skills

Numeracy

Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

Common office software

Job description

Go back Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Finance Assistant, Band 3

The closing date is 08 June 2025

This post is a core role within the Corporate Finance team and works hand in hand with colleagues across the wider Finance department to deliver meaningful financial information. Building relationships, being a team player and carrying out responsibilities with diligence and care will enable the post holder to become a vital go-to person to make things happen.

The Corporate Finance Team supports a variety of corporate services and budget managers. We are looking for someone with a logical mind, an eye for detail and a proficient level of IT skills.

The proposed interview date is: 18th June

Main duties of the job

The candidate will undertake a range of accounting responsibilities including routine, ad hoc and analytical reviews to inform the monthly reporting cycle and annual budget setting process. The candidate will work with the various finance systems in place across the Trust to monitor spend and ensure accurate accounting for ongoing financial commitments.

The post holder will also need to assist in preparation of other financial and non financial information as required.

Diligence and consistency combined with the ability to engage with others effectively will mean the candidate plays a pivotal role in the continuous development and improvement of the Corporate Finance team.

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Maternity Services are also provided at Stroud Maternity Hospital.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our workforce is over 9,000 strong and our caring and dedicated staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care across a range of clinical areas. We also have exceptional teams of professional services staff underpinning our vision every step of the way.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for everyone, valuing and celebrating differences and encouraging a workplace and culture where all can thrive. We endeavour to ensure each and every person working in our organisation feel respected and valued. Respecting and valuing differences will help to ensure that our policies and services reflect the needs and experiences of the people and community we serve. In return, we offer the opportunity to work at a trust that is on a truly exciting Journey to Outstanding and to make a real difference to the lives of our patients, their families and the wider community. We are also committed to training and developing you to be the best you can be and offer you a rewarding career, whatever your role.

Job responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

Under the leadership/guidance and support from the Finance Business Partner:

- Ensure accurate input of financial information to the ledger and associated systems

- Specific areas of responsibility including assistance in ensuring coding accuracy

- Ensuring the accuracy and timely uploading of expenditure and other bulk journals to the ledger

- Assist in the preparation and input of budget and expenditure journals into the financial ledger and associated feeder systems (including payroll/manpower, ESR etc. ) to agreed timetables, including correction of feeder system input error suspense.

- Assist in the production and analysis of reports and confidential financial information from appropriate systems to answer Freedom of Information requests and other ad hoc enquiries

- Assist when required in the analysis and explanation of budget /expenditure/income variances in liaison with appropriate staff

- Undertake data entry into other financial systems as required

- Respond to ad hoc queries around what may be sensitive, political and confidential issues

- Ensure information provided is consistent with corporate objectives

- Carry out other duties that may from time to time be required by finance staff

- Provide cover across the team as needed

Education and training

Participate in the provision of Finance Training Programmes to Budget Holders and other non-finance staff.

Comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.

Actively participate in the Trusts appraisal/development conversation process. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with line manager.

To attend all mandatory components of training including:

Corporate Induction

GHNHSFT mandatory training

Progress review meetings

Improving quality and developing practice

Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/she works.

Attend Department Meetings, Team Meetings and any other meetings relevant to the role and / or training and development requirements.

Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff is portrayed.

Promote equality at all times and respect privacy and confidentiality, acting appropriately and professionally upon any sensitive information in accordance with Trust Policy.

Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working ConditionsFrequent concentration required on complex issues where complete accuracy is imperative within tight deadlines, despite regular interruptions.

Ability to manage own workload within a complex and pressurised environment, maintaining a professional attitude and sound judgement in the face of changing demands and priorities.

Remaining upbeat and approachable, keeping an open mind and focusing on the material impact of changes and prioritising according to value and impact.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Experience

• Experience of basic book-keeping skills equivalent to Foundation level Accountancy Technician (AAT) qualification required
• Methodical approach to work and filling of associated documentation
• Work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Experience of working within a team as well as under own initiative
• Experience of working in NHS Finance

Knowledge / Skills

• Ability to accurately and efficiently process large volumes of data
• High level of numeracy and accuracy skills
• High standard of computer literacy with demonstrable experience of common office based software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including facilitation and able to convey info
• To maintain confidentiality at all times and to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, reporting any problems etc in the appropriate manner

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 name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

£24,625 to £25,674 a year(pa pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-25-T0383

Job locations