Senior Financial Management Assistant

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Manchester is seeking a Financial Management Assistant to support financial monitoring and reporting. The role involves working alongside finance managers to prepare budgets, coordinate projects, and provide analytical insights. The ideal candidate will be studying for CCAB or CIMA qualifications and have strong analytical skills, with a passion for the healthcare sector.

Qualifications

• Currently studying for CCAB / CIMA exams.
• Strong examination performance track record.
• Experience in busy financial management environments.

Responsibilities

• Support financial management functions with reporting and monitoring.
• Assist in preparation of revenue budgets and analyze variances.
• Coordinate month-end processes and maintain accurate financial records.

Skills

Financial Management

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Education

CCAB/CIMA student

5 GCSEs including Math and English

Relevant degree qualification

Job description

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the Head of Financial Management (HoFM), Divisional Finance Manager (DFM), Finance Manager (FM) 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. This involves the interpretation of data to provide solutions to complex problems.

2. Support the Financial Management team with the co-ordination of central processes and projects, to include Freedom of Information requests and trust planning returns.

3. Co-ordinate the FMA rota, ensuring team members are fully trained and a clear rota is in place, and support the co-ordination of month end processes.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. To keep records of budget queries and any corresponding responses in a format determined by the DFM/ FM/ ADFM enable a regular review to be made of the service provided to the managers.

7. Contributing to meetings with budget holders on behalf of the DFM/ FM/ 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.

8. 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 holder's names within the trust structure and clearance of error suspense in accordance with accounting procedure.

9. Ensure on a monthly basis that appropriate accruals and pre-payment are accurately included in the Trust current and forecast financial position.

10. Preparation of monthly sales invoice information extracted from data files. This involves liasing 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Support the DFM/ FM/ ADFM in providing a robust link between the Financial Management section and the Financial Services Manager in respect of the preparation of year-end accounts.

14. Complete Change of Establishment Procedures inputting amendments onto EPS system and working together in collaboration with Human Resources Department.

15. Plan and prioritise workload in accordance with the monthly timetable with limited supervision.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. To provide cover for other financial management team members' absences, including supporting other divisions.

19. Exercise judgement and initiative within the scope of the role when problems arise by providing possible solutions for resolution to the DFM/ FM/ ADFM. Alert the DFM/ FM/ ADFM. to any areas of concern.

20. Responsible for own development and the creation of a personal development plan, proactively identifying development opportunities and maintaining an awareness of local and national agendas. Work with the DFM/ FM/ ADFM. to agree personal objectives.

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 criteria

• Student actively undertaking exams at CCAB / CIMA level
• Strong track record of examination performance
• A comprehensive secondary education (5 GCSEs or equivalent including Math's and English Language)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant degree qualification
• Willingness to develop through internal and external sources

Experience

Essential criteria

• Have experience of working within a busy financial management environment
• Experience of computerised financial systems
• Experience of supervising staff or coordinating colleagues

Desirable criteria

• Experience of the NHS financial regime
• Experience in a NHS finance environment

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

Essential criteria

• A thorough understanding of financial management and financial accounting principles and procedures
• Excellent analytical, reasoning and problem solving skills
• Ability to prepare and present financial information to both financial and non financial people in a meaningful way
• Well developed interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to people at all levels within the organisation
• Proficient in the use of computerised and manual financial systems, including spreadsheets and database packages, and have the ability to develop systems to maximum benefits to users
• Ability to work as part of a busy team
• Ability to have a positive influence on others
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to plan, prioritise and deliver to agreed deadlines
• Ability to work in a methodical, detailed and accurate manner
• Evidence of ability to deliver

Desirable criteria

• Able to exploit software packages to solve problems
• Ability to manage, motivate and develop staff
• Up to date knowledge of relevant rules and regulations e.g. accounting standards, VAT, payroll, etc

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS (Physical demands)

Essential criteria

• 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
• Often required to switch tasks at short notice
• Frequent requirement for prolonged concentration when analysing data
• Workload and content can be unpredictable
• Minor lifting and handling in an office environment (files, boxes etc)

VALUES

Essential criteria

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

OTHER

Essential criteria

• 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
• Willingness to attend training courses relevant to role

The closing date for this post may be extended if there are insufficient applicants or brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.

We want to ensure that everyone who works at the Christie or uses our services is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity and respect. The Christie values diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all and fair representation across the organisation at all levels. In support of these commitments, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people and people with disabilities for this post. Appointment will be only on merit.

We are committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce. As such we welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Together we will foster inclusion and tackle inequity and health inequalities in cancer care.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy

All positions within the Christie are subject to the receipt of satisfactory written references, medical clearance and evidence of your Right to Work in the UK. Some roles will require a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Please note if you are successfully appointed to a post with this Trust, you will be required to pay for your own DBS Disclosure.

By applying for this post you are agreeing to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, I regret that on this occasion your application will have been unsuccessful.

The Inter-Authority Transfer (IAT) process is a critical and beneficial component of ESR and will form part of the recruitment process. In the event that you are successful following interview your previous NHS employment data, if applicable will be transferred from your current / most recent employer.

Overseas candidates wishing to apply for this position and who would require immigration sponsorship, may wish to self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the post on the UKVI website.

You should be aware the Trust operates a No Smoking Policy and therefore employees are not permitted to smoke at work.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Documents to download

• Job Description & Person Specification (PDF, 185.5KB)
• The Christie Values and Behaviours (PDF, 919.5KB)
• Strategy Brochure (PDF, 1.0MB)
• Travel to The Christie (PDF, 3.8MB)