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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting, manage a team, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join a Trust dedicated to maintaining high standards in financial management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial transparency and governance while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial accounting and team management is essential.
- Other info: Contact Hanh Tran for informal visits or more details.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Main area Finance Grade NHS AfC: Band 8b Contract 12 months (Fixed term) Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
37.5 sessions per week (Include remote working) Job ref 260-TP-869
Site Tavistock Centre/Hybrid Working Town London Salary per annum inclusive of Inner London HCAS Closing 19/02/2025 23:59
It is a condition of this employment that you must live in and remain a resident of the United Kingdom during your employment with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
Getting vaccinated, and getting a booster, remains the best defence against COVID-19. We encourage and support staff to get COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose as and when they are eligible.
Job overview
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 five staff covering accounts payable, credit control, procurement administration, income and expenses.
Main duties of the job
- 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
- Preparation of detailed working papers to satisfy external audit requirements
- Responsibility for securing the Agreement of Balances exercise
- Specific responsibility for the balance sheet, fixed assets, debtors, creditors and cash flow statements.
This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
Person specification
Qualifications
- CCAB professional qualification Degree or equivalent level of tertiary education Evidence of post graduate / qualification study
Knowledge I Experience
- Significant post qualification experience as a financial accountant / financial controller / head of financial accounting
- Significant experience of preparing financial statements / accounts
- Significant experience of interpreting / applying international accounting standards
- Experience of NHS financial policies and processes
- Confident user of IT e.g. Microsoft Office, integrated financial ledger system, databases. Advanced Excel
- Able to form judgements and make autonomous decisions guided by policies and procedures
- Practical experience of financial accounting practices (preparation of reconciliations, accounts payable, credit control, banking etc.)
- Good communication skills, able to explain complex financial issues to non-finance managers
- Good analytical skills, able to solve complex financial and non-financial problems
- Experience of managing a team
Personal Attributes
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and a desire to live by the Trust\’s values.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to plan and prioritise the completion of high volume / complex tasks
- Motivates others
- Acts with integrity and professionalism at all times
- Approachable both to staff, Finance colleagues and Trust budget managers
- Ability to negotiate and resolve disputes.
- Team player with a positive \’can do\’ attitude to objectives and challenges
The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are particularly keen to attract candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to better meet the needs of the service users and students that we serve.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
If you are offered a role with one of the NLPSS partner trusts, as part of pre-employment checks your identity and right to work documentation will be verified remotely .
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Head of Financial Accounting employer: The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
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
Familiarize yourself with the NHS Foundation Trust annual reporting manual and relevant statutory requirements. This knowledge will not only help you understand the expectations of the role but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing teams, especially in financial accounting roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully supervised staff and handled complex financial queries.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills, particularly in dealing with external auditors and other NHS bodies. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively negotiated terms or resolved disputes to achieve favorable outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to improve internal control environments. Think of examples where you've implemented changes that enhanced financial processes or compliance, as this will be crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Financial Accounting. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in financial accounting, team management, and compliance with statutory regulations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing a team, be sure to highlight your leadership skills. Discuss any previous experience in supervising staff, resolving complex queries, and improving internal control environments.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the Trust's mission and values. Mention how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in relation to financial management and compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarize yourself with the relevant statutory and regulatory requirements that govern financial accounting in the NHS. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these standards in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Financial Accounting, you'll manage a team. Highlight your experience in leading teams, resolving conflicts, and mentoring staff. Share specific examples of how you've improved team performance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about complex financial queries, such as debtors and creditors management. Brush up on your knowledge of International Accounting Standards and be ready to explain how you've navigated similar challenges in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
You'll need to liaise with various stakeholders, including external auditors and finance officers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues.
