Main tasks and responsibilities

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1. Operational Responsibilities

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• Provide appropriate and timely financial information and advice to the Technical Accountant so as to enable the Trust to fulfil its financial responsibilities. (i.e. Completion of monthly FIMs returns)

 

• To manage the capital accounting of the Trust, advice on all aspects of capital. Maintain an accurate and up to date asset register, monitor expenditure on all capital schemes, manage depreciation journals and reconcile the asset register on a regular basis.

 

• To support the Technical Accountant in providing expert financial advice and financial technical support to members of the Trust’s capital investment group.

 

• To be the VAT expert for the Trust and ensure the Trust complies with current VAT and HMRC requirements.

 

• Support the accurate and satisfactory completion of statutory accounts and returns to ensure that the Annual and Year End monitoring returns are made in accordance with the agreed timetables

 

• To support the Technical Accountant to ensure that the financial and other systems of the Trust meet all statutory requirements, through the development and implementation of appropriate policies and procedures (including Standing Financial Instructions) and through appropriate audit and control

 

• To assist on the Trust compliance with statutory financial duties and targets (CRL, EFL and BPPC).

 

• To support the Technical Accountant to ensure the timely and accurate month-end reporting in accordance with the agreed timetable and standards.

 

• To support the Technical Accountant to ensure the Annual Accounts process is completed within agreed timescales and complies with relevant policies, procedures and legislative requirements.

 

• Be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the data in the ledger.

 

• Follow best practice in managing the balance sheet accounts in particular working capital (debtors and creditors balances are maintained at the appropriate levels and balance sheet reconciliation  carried out and reviewed monthly).

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• To lead on the intercompany accounts transactions of the Trust and North West London Pathology.

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• To support in undertaking comprehensive analytical review of monthly balance sheet figures to ensure accuracy of information reported in support of month end reporting.

 

2. Control systems and Statutory responsibilities

 

• Constantly review the integrity and development of systems for managing the financial and accounting practices within the organisation.

 

• Contribute significantly to the streamlining of accounting processes and accounting systems, particularly with respect to the automation of routine tasks.

 

• Ensure the Trust’s policies procedures, and Standing Financial Instructions are strictly adhered to.

 

• To support the implementation and development of discrete policies and procedures.

 

• To support the Technical Accountant to ensure that internal and external audit recommendations relating to financial procedures and systems are implemented.

 

• Liaise with internal and external auditors to provide relevant information, appropriate accommodation and any other resources required to perform their duties effectively.

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• Work closely with external audit to ensure the Annual Accounts are delivered in accordance with the national timetable and without qualification.

 

3. Leadership and Staff Management responsibilities

 

• Plan and organise own work schedules and that of others to ensure activities are completed within agreed weekly, monthly and annual financial timescales and comply with Trust policies and procedures.

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• Develop and sustain professional standards within the Financial Services function.

 

• Manage and develop the Financial Services function (especially in relationship to capital accounting) to ensure that the Trust receives high quality accounting and transactional financial services and achieves best value for money from its financial systems and services.

 

• Appraise and develop staff through on the job training, professional academic studies, mentoring and Personal Development Planning.

 

• Promote a culture where people feel empowered and accountable for service improvement. Ensure that any staff performance and disciplinary issues for the team are managed appropriately.

 

4. Education and experience

 

• Hold a professional accountancy qualification (CCAB) or have 3 years financial accounting experience, with significant continuing professional development and significant experience.

 

• Have practical experience in a range of accounting areas, financial computer systems and knowledge of accounting legislation.

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5. Training

 

• Develops, delivers and facilitates training sessions for non-finance staff ensuring an understanding of financial policies and procedures of the Trust and the financial environment of the Trust.

 

• Keep up to date with national and local FSD (Finance Staff Development) strategy, initiatives and opportunities. Help create a culture of learning and staff development and monitor departmental progress against the training strategy, policy and plan.

 

• Take responsibility for the induction and training of finance staff.

 

• Ensure the continued personal development of team members in line with Trust policy.

 

6. Communications

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• Liaise with internal and external auditors in audits designed to improve financial services.
   

• Work closely with external audit to provide relevant information, accommodation and other resources required to perform their duties effectively, and ensure the Annual Accounts are delivered in accordance with the national timetable and without qualification

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• Provide advice on complex financial and corporate issues to non-financial managers.

 

7. Other Specific Roles

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• Deputise for the Technical Accountant as required

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• Carry out any other reasonable duties required.

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• Provide support and cover, as required, to the Finance Directorate

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• Contribute towards special projects as required throughout the Trust.

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*Scope and Purpose of Job Description

 

A job description does not constitute a ‘term and condition of employment’.  It is provided only as a guide to assist the employee in the performance of their job.  The Trust is a fast moving organisation and therefore changes in employees’ duties may be necessary from time to time.  The job description is not intended to be an inflexible or finite list of tasks and may be varied from time to time after consultation/discussion with the post holder.

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