Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting, manage a team, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, including remote options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualification and significant experience in financial accounting required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Summary
The Head of Financial Accounting is a \’hands on\’ role, with the role holder having primary responsibility for maintaining the underlying financial records of the Trust, ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance. The Head of Financial Accounting also has primary responsibility for production of the Trust\’s annual financial statements and acts as the Trust\’s expert in financial accounting matters.
The Head of Financial Accounting manages a team of six staff covering accounts payable, credit control, procurement administration, income and expenses.
The Key Elements Of The Role Are
- Production of the annual accounts of the Trust in compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements
- Supervision of 6 staff members involved in all aspects of accounts payable, debtors and cash book
- Dealing with complex queries regarding debtors and creditors referred by Finance Officers and SBS
- To interpret and apply Dept. of Health and NHS policies and guidance, International Accounting Standards etc. advising the Director of Finance on the potential impact
- Responsibility for maintenance / improvement of the Trust\’s internal control environment (as it pertains to finance-related matters) including overseeing the monthly balance sheet / control account reconciliation process
- Responsibility for overseeing the accounts of the Trust\’s charitable funds
- Liaising with SBS, monitoring and reviewing contract performance
- Overall responsibility for planning and producing the annual accounts of the Trust, in compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including being the Trust lead with the external auditors and preparing papers for the Director of finance and the Audit Committee
- Interpretation and application of relevant statutory and regulator guidance and accounting standards, notably the NHS Foundation Trust annual reporting manual
- Liaise and negotiate with external auditors regarding the content of information provided in the Trust\’s Annual Accounts and Returns: For example the method of calculation of the Trusts Bad Debt Provision or the basis for the Partial Exemption VAT calculation
- Preparation of detailed working papers to satisfy external audit requirements
- Responsibility for securing the Agreement of Balances exercise. Negotiation with other NHS bodies where necessary and completing returns within the required deadlines.
- Specific responsibility for the balance sheet, fixed assets, debtors, creditors and cash flow statements.
This is not an exhaustive list, p lease see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The team is split by its core functions into Financial Management, Procurement, and Financial Accounting. The Trust currently outsources its general ledger functions to NHS Shared Business Services (“SBS”).
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Hanh Tran Job title: Deputy Chief Finance Officer Email address: Telephone number: 07754857754 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Detail:
The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Foundation Trust annual reporting manual and relevant statutory guidance. This knowledge will not only help you understand the expectations of the role but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the NHS finance sector, especially those who have experience in financial accounting roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the Head of Financial Accounting position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing teams and resolving disputes. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to motivate others will be crucial, as these are key attributes for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your advanced Excel skills and any integrated financial ledger systems you’ve used. Being able to demonstrate your technical proficiency will set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial accounting, particularly in the NHS context. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your CCAB professional qualification, and any significant post-qualification experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Head of Financial Accounting role. Mention your ability to manage teams and your experience with financial statements and compliance.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your proficiency in IT systems, especially integrated financial ledger systems and advanced Excel. Also, demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex financial issues clearly.
Demonstrate Commitment to Values: In your application, reflect on how you embody the Trust's values. Share examples of how you've motivated others, acted with integrity, and resolved disputes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Financial Standards
Make sure you are well-versed in the relevant statutory and regulatory guidance, especially the NHS Foundation Trust annual reporting manual. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will show your expertise in financial accounting.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Financial Accounting, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, highlighting your ability to motivate others and resolve disputes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about preparing financial statements and interpreting international accounting standards. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain complex financial issues clearly, especially to non-finance managers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Good communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts concisely and clearly, both verbally and in writing. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.
