Reporting Accountant

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Tailored learning & development

NHS Discount

Competitive pension scheme

Lease car scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health First Aiders

Staff networking & Inclusion support

Job summary

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Reporting Accountant to lead financial reporting, budgeting, costing and planning. You will produce monthly returns, Board reports and performance dashboards, delivering robust analysis to support governance and decision-making across Oxfordshire and beyond.

The role offers opportunities to develop in NHS costing methodologies, with strong governance and data quality focus.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent is required.
• Experience in NHS or public sector finance preferred.
• Excellent Excel and financial systems skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Proactive approach to improving processes and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and submission of monthly national finance returns (PFR).
• Produce financial reports, dashboards and Board reports with clear analysis.
• Support CIP reporting and temporary staffing analysis.
• Assist budget setting, journals and month-end processes.
• Provide financial insight to support organisational decision-making.

Skills

Technical accounting

Analytical skills

Excel skills

Financial systems

Communication to non-finance

Process improvement

Education

Degree or equivalent

NHS finance experience

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Finance Team at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as a Reporting Accountant. As Reporting Accountant, you will play a key role in the Trust's financial reporting processes, supporting the production of monthly finance returns, Board reporting, financial planning, costing and budget-setting activities. You will work closely with senior finance colleagues, supporting important organisational decision-making and ensuring that financial information is accurate, robust and delivered to demanding deadlines. Oxford Health is committed to developing finance professionals and helping colleagues achieve their career ambitions. We are proud to be an accredited employer for AAT, ACCA and CIMA, providing a supportive environment for professional study and development. Our Finance Department has a strong track record of investing in staff, with many colleagues progressing into more senior roles across the organisation. The promotion of the current post holder demonstrates the opportunities available for career progression within the team. If you are looking for a role that will challenge and develop you while making a meaningful contribution to healthcare services across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Financial Reporting

You will take a lead role in the preparation and submission of the Trust's monthly national finance returns (PFR), ensuring regulatory deadlines are met and reporting is completed accurately. You will support the production of financial reports, performance dashboards and Board reports, providing clear analysis and commentary to support the Trust's financial governance arrangements.

• Completion of monthly national finance returns (PFR) and supporting regulatory submissions.
• Producing financial analysis, reports, graphs and dashboards for senior management and Board reporting.
• Supporting Trust-wide Cost Improvement Programme (CIP) reporting and analysis.
• Producing temporary staffing reports and performance analysis.
• Maintaining reserves reporting and budget reconciliations.
• Supporting month-end processes, including completion of journals and review of reporting templates.
• Responding to financial information requests, including Freedom of Information enquiries.
• Providing financial insight and analysis to support organisational decision-making.

Budget Setting and Financial Planning

The role will support the annual budget-setting process and long-term financial planning activities across the Trust. You will assist in translating approved financial plans into operational budgets and ensure changes are properly reflected within financial systems. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and maintenance of annual, medium-term and long-term financial plans.
• Completing budget journals and adjustments to reflect agreed plans and funding allocations.
• Supporting the allocation and monitoring of Cost Improvement Programme targets.
• Maintaining accurate records of reserve allocations and budget movements.
• Producing planning reports, reconciliations and workforce planning information.
• Supporting the completion of annual planning returns and external submissions.

Costing and Financial Analysis

You will contribute to the Trust's costing and benchmarking activities, helping ensure robust financial information is available to support service and operational decision-making. This area of work provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in NHS costing methodologies and performance analysis.

• Supporting the production and submission of the National Cost Collection.
• Assisting with the preparation and analysis of patient-level costing information.
• Reviewing complex financial data to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Supporting national and local benchmarking exercises.
• Working collaboratively with finance colleagues to improve the quality and usefulness of financial reporting information.

Stakeholder Engagement and Service Improvement

The successful candidate will work with colleagues across Finance, Operational Services, Workforce and Corporate Departments, building strong relationships to support effective financial management across the organisation. The role requires someone who can confidently communicate financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.

• Provide financial advice and support to colleagues across the Trust.
• Attend meetings on behalf of senior finance colleagues where required.
• Support the development of reporting processes and systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function.
• Ensure robust governance, internal control and data quality standards are maintained.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone with:

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and analytical skills.
• Experience working within a finance environment, ideally within the NHS or wider public sector.
• Excellent Excel and financial systems skills.
• An understanding of governance, financial controls and financial reporting.
• The ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
• A proactive approach to improving processes and reporting.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Degree or equivalent
• Theoretical & Practical knowledge in PLICS & SLR costing principles, Demonstrate successful track record of achievement in NHS finance
• Experience in a finance role, Successful experience in multi-agency and multi professional working
• Involvement in enhancements to process and systems
• technical expertise & competence,
• Understanding of Technical Accounting
• Understanding of Governance and Internal Controls
• Clear, logical, persuasive
• Ability to analyse complex information
• Ability to exercise judgement
• Ability to handle multiple demands and shifting boundaries
• Ability to meet time and quality deadlines
• Ability to produce creative option appraisals of solutions
• Ability to quickly assemble a rational viewpoint on a situation

Note

Please note that this role will require us to undertake a DBS check as a part of your onboarding.

Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria. As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Benefits

• Opportunities for career progression
• Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Competitive pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team