Financial Accountant Job Description Medway Clinical Commissioning Group Name: Job Title: Function: Reports to: Accountable to: Band: Base: Financial Accountant Finance Deputy Chief Finance Officer Deputy Chief Finance Officer 8a Last updated: January 2017 Fifty Pembroke Court, Chatham Job Purpose The role supports the business in driving transformation as well as value for money in planning, commissioning and service. The role is designed to build a combination of subject matter expertise and technical skills to develop a strong service delivery. The job description and person specification are an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Deputy CFO. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the CCG. CCG Values and behavioural framework Our Values: 1. Respect 2. Open and Honest 3. Committed and Determined 4. Innovative
The post holder is expected to uphold the CCG values and associated positive behaviour indicators. Organisational Chart: To be inserted. 1. Communication and Relationship Skills Operate effectively in a flexible and demanding environment and proactively engage with CCGs and other stakeholders to work on a variety of topics. Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive and contentious information, presenting information, to a wide range of stakeholders in a formal setting. Have the ability to deal with resulting potentially aggressive/antagonistic situations. Committed to working and engaging constructively with internal and external stakeholders on a range of business sensitive issues. Nurtures key relationships and maintains networks internally and externally, including national networks. Link with managers and members of other functions, to address inter-dependencies and ensure alignment. Contribute to the review and development of existing services delivered to the client base and contributes to the development of an integrated approach to service delivery. Provide detailed advice and guidance to finance and non-finance people. Promotes a positive image of the Finance Team and work pro-actively with CCG staff and key stakeholders. Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues, including performance and change 2. Knowledge, Training and Experience CCAB Qualified or relevant experience. Educated to Masters degree level or equivalent experience. Significant post qualification experience or relevant experience at this level. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development. Proven experience in the production of annual and monthly accounts for large public sector organisations.
In depth knowledge of the NHS financial regime, relevant legislation and financial and accounting procedures. Significant NHS experience, in a financial accounting environment. Advanced ability to use excel, word, PowerPoint and financial packages. 3. Analytical and Judgement Skills High level analytical skills, dealing with large amounts of highly complex data. Ability to make sound judgements on the integrity and reliability of data and data sources, testing the data and interpreting trends, finding patterns, extrapolating and using the data to inform recommendations. Ability to make decisions upon data requirements to fulfil a particular need or answer a specific query where there may be no precedent. Analyse financial data relating to business plans, offering views as to the wider implications of service changes and associated risks both financially and reputably. Perform or interrogate option appraisals linking financial impact to plan objectives and assessment of value for money. Strategic thinking- ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise. 4. Planning and Organisational Skills Plan and organise broad range of complex activities, formulates, adjusts plans or strategies Prioritisation of workload to ensure targets and objectives are met despite pressures from a variety of different stakeholders. Plan own workload to ensure the monthly, annual and quarterly timetables are met, which will require complex manipulation of data. Contribute to the strategic planning of Team projects, identifying interdependencies across organisations and functions with potential impacts on wider organisation, resource requirements and building in contingency and adjustments as necessary. Provide support to the CCG Finance Teams in the development of performance and governance strategies and the development and implementation of improvement programmes, in accordance with the CCGs. Provide support to the CCG Finance Teams to contribute to short, medium and long term business plans, achieving quality outcomes. To undertake ad hoc projects as allocated. To ensure all Audit working papers are complete and contain appropriate supporting information.
Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines. Work in a methodical and organised manner to ensure continuity of service to commissioners and other stakeholders in the event of absence. 5. Physical Skills Advance keyboard and Microsoft package skills will be required which will facilitate the presentation of complex information to highlight key points and facts in a clear way, with speed and accuracy. This will include the use of PowerPoint, graphs, spreadsheets and diagrams to a high standard. A high level of accuracy is essential. 6. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care; Incidental contact with patients or clients. 7. Responsible for Policy and Service Development Implementation Responsible for policy implementation and development for financial services i.e. Contributing to the review and development of existing services delivered to the client base and contributing to the development of an integrated approach to service delivery. Develop and maintain a comprehensive and transparent control system for all primary care budgets covered by the role the provision of a full audit trail from one financial year to the next and details of any service level agreements and contracts entered into relating to these budgets Work closely with the CCG Finance team to develop processes and procedures that deliver: savings and efficiencies e.g. the introduction of Purchase Orders. The post holder will need to maintain a good knowledge of emerging policies from government departments for example pensions, change management and constitution. This will assist in the thinking and definition of the strategy discussions for the network and stakeholders. For example, to work closely with Council Finance colleagues and the CCG Finance teams to ensure that the Better Care Fund (S75 agreement) is accounted for correctly, in a timely manner and that it complies with the Manual for Accounts. Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure that they are supported in their work. Assist the Deputy CFO Financial Services and CCG Finance Teams to ensure that audit recommendations are followed up on a timely basis and to the required standard. Provide support to the CCG Finance Teams in the development of policies within financial services to ensure that its objectives and outputs meet the CCGs requirements and assist in development of all other Finance areas to achieve and spread best practice.
Propose changes to own project, service and initiate work, informing policy and make recommendations for more effective delivery. 8. Responsibilities for Financial and Physical Resources Act in a way that is compliant with Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions in the discharge of budget management responsibilities. Develops and or monitors budget within own area of work and authorises spend against it. Work closely with the CCG Finance teams to develop processes and procedures that deliver: effective monthly and year end accounts ensuring tight timescales laid down by NHS England are met. effective cash management with an expert understanding of the business and the interdependencies of Payables, Receivables, BPPC and the SBS User Hierarchy. To provide a comprehensive financial service to all primary care contractors, including GMS, PMS and APMS contractors and dental, pharmaceutical and optometrists. This includes establishing baseline budgets for the contractors, providing up to date financial information to support budget monitoring and to be part of the team monitoring practice performance. To provide the financial input into contract negotiation / review processes, supporting the Primary Care Team, for all primary care contractors. Ensure that at all times budgets, income and expenditure are properly reflected in the General Ledger system and that these reconcile with negotiated contracts. To be the lead for reporting CHC legacy balances to NHS England on a monthly basis. To take the lead for CCG provisions (CHC and other) by working closely with the CCG Finance teams and Specialist Assessments & Placements to forecast a year end position and determine potential claims and write backs. Production of the Monthly Reporting Pack for inclusion in the Finance and Performance Committee Reports. The post holder will need to develop good networking skills to ensure that they understand the CCGs business objectives and that are being provided with the correct information from Financial Services. To test and maintain the NHS England Templates used to produce the annual accounts are ensure that they ready for use highlighting any changes to the CCG Finance Teams, e.g. mapping or coding changes. To take responsibility for the production of the annual accounts and supporting working papers Medway CCG.
Provide support to the Deputy CFO Financial Services in the production of finance information for inclusion in the annual reports of the respective CCGs. Responsible for the reconciliation and correct accounting of the CCGs General Fund account. Review Control Accounts on a monthly basis to ensure that they are reconciled and cleared promptly so that there are no surprises at year end. Work in conjunction with the CCG Finance Teams and the Head of Special Projects and Planning Accountant to maintain a register of leases and ensure that the correct accounting treatment for leases. Provide Balance Sheet and Cashflow information to the Head of Special Projects and Planning Accountant to inform the CCGs annual plans. Assist the Deputy CFO Financial Services in the production of clear, concise audit working papers for external audit and ensure audit queries are responded to in a timely manner to ensure a smooth audit process is achieved. Develop strong networks with the CCG Finance Teams by meeting on a regular basis to discuss cash, receivable, payables, Provisions and ad hoc requests for information. Nurture a strong working relationship with Council Colleagues to ensure the S75 Better Care Fund is accounted for correctly in the CCGs books and that information is provided in a timely manner for the production of the year end accounts. Significant involvement in the operation of the Medway CCG s Agreement of Balances exercise. Take the lead role in financial aspects of technical developments. 9. Responsibilities for Human Resources (HR) Line management of Finance Manager. Assist the Deputy CFO to recruit staff and act as the recruiting officer. Responsible for undertaking appraisal and personal development including progressing any disciplinary or capability issues. To support, motivate and develop staff within the team to ensure that they are able to deliver the new responsibilities of the NHS strategy. Managing third parties {such as consultants/interims) to ensure deliverables are met in a timely manner and within budget.
10. Responsibilities for Information Resources Drafting reports summarising status on issues, appraising outcomes, and providing progress reports for the Directorate leads. Develop as required systems to interpret and present, qualitative and quantitative information and lead appropriate analysis to develop robust business cases and contribute to project 'products'. Analyse, interpret and present data to highlight issues, risks and support decision making. Ability to develop systems to model trends and predict future patterns of income and expenditure. 11. Responsibilities for Research and Development (R&D) Complete audit and review of own area of work to improve financial processes and monitoring systems. Carry out development of systems supporting own work 12. Freedom to Act Work with great autonomy but within agreed objectives, providing a leadership role to specific areas of commissioning. Will be guided by general health or organisational policies but in most situations the post holder will need to establish the way these should be interpreted i.e. The post holder will interpret the monthly guidance from NHS England and the Manual for Accounts and apply as required. Can act without manager in a variety of settings within professional and corporate policies. The post holder will identify key financial risks to the Deputy CFO- Financial Services. Deputise for the Deputy CFO as required, expanding on knowledge, skills and experience within personal professional development. 13. Physical Effort Daily use of keyboard and VDU. Input and reconcile financial data into computer database and spreadsheet, where speed and accuracy are essential. The post holder will be required to have the ability to drive to various locations in a timely and efficient manner and provide their own car for transport, and will required to insure the vehicle for business use in line with the CCG's policy and procedures.
14. Mental Effort Frequent requirement to concentrate for long periods when inputting and analysing complex data, statistics or producing financial returns Frequent requirement to switch tasks to answer queries from clients and providers. 15 Emotional Effort Occasional contact with dissatisfied providers especially where there has been non-payment of invoices either in error or by intent. Occasional contact with angry or frustrated stakeholders especially with regard to financial or corporate constraints. 16. Working Conditions Unpleasant working conditions are rare. Office based, uses VDU/keyboard for significant proportion of the day. 17. Corporate Accountabilities Equality and Diversity The post holder will comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure Equality and Diversity of employment and services across the CCG. Standards of Professional and Business Conduct The post-holder will be required to comply with the CCG s Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions, and at all times deal honestly with the CCG, with colleagues and all those who have dealings with the CCG, including patients, relatives and suppliers. The post-holder will also be required to comply with the Code of Conduct for NHS Managers and/or the relevant professional Codes of Conduct. Control of Infection All staff whether clinical or non-clinical are required to comply with the Health Act 2006, Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Health Care Associated Infections. Therefore the post-holder is expected to keep patients, visitors, themselves and other staff safe by continuously reducing the risk of healthcare associated infections. Risk Management and Health and Safety The post-holder will ensure compliance with the CCG s risk management policies and procedures. These describe the CCG s commitment to risk management, the
recognition that our aim is to protect patients, staff and visitors from harm, and stress that all staff have a responsibility to minimise risk. The post-holder will be required to observe local Health and Safety arrangements and take reasonable care of him/herself and persons that may be affected by his/her work. Governance Standards Comply with the relevant Governance Standards applicable to the CCG as communicated to the post-holder from time to time. Confidentiality To respect the confidence of patients, clients and their carers relating to their condition, their family and their financial and other circumstances and not to disclose any such information to others who are not authorised to have it, either within or outside the CCG. To abide by the CCG s Code of Conduct and Caldicott requirements in confidentiality at all times. Records Management To maintain CCG and patient records (both paper and electronic) in accordance with CCG policies to facilitate clinical care and effective administration. Freedom of Information To provide advice and assistance to all persons who propose to make, or have made requests for information, and to ensure all requests for information are managed appropriately in accordance with CCG Freedom of Information procedures. Data Protection To comply with CCG Policies and the Data Protection Act in all respects, with particular relevance to the protection and use of personal and patient information. Security To comply with CCG policies to ensure there is a safe and secure environment that protects patients, staff and visitors and their property, and the physical assets and the information of the organisation. Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults All staff must be familiar with and adhere to NHS Medway Safeguarding Policies, procedures and guidelines for both children and vulnerable adults. This must be in conjunction with the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Children Procedures and Kent and Medway Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Multi-Agency Policy, Protocols and guidelines. All Staff are required to attend mandatory safeguarding children and vulnerable adults training and updating relevant to their position and role.
Person Specification Post: Financial Accountant Band 8A Criteria Essential Desirable Assessment Method Qualifications Educated to Masters Level (or equivalent level of knowledge and experience). A, I CCAB Qualified or relevant experience. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with the requirements of the relevant professional accountancy body and the job role Experience Direct work experience in a senior NHS finance position Experience in producing reports for senior management Management accounting experience Responsibility for month end and year end procedures in a large organisation Experience of working in a busy accounting environment Experience of NHS commissioning in particular commissioning for service redesign and changed patient pathways. Experience of successful staff leadership, motivation and development Budget setting, financial planning and management reporting in a large organisation. A, I, P
Experience on leading or delivering projects Development of business plans and business cases and option appraisal techniques Financial management experience in a large organisation Special knowledge / Expertise Staff management experience. Broad knowledge of NHS Policies, legislative and Accounting requirements and NHS Accounts and returns. Eg Publication in appropriate journals etc A, I, P, T Broad knowledge and understanding of Disposition, Adjustment, Attitude Commitment commissioning and contracting processes Knowledge of NHS costing information, techniques and processes. E.g. Reference Costs, National Tariffs etc. Knowledge and understanding of Local Authority, Voluntary Organisations and other community partnerships and pooled funding processes. Understanding of developing information/performance systems. Use of financial modelling and risk management methods Experience in budget setting and development of financial reporting systems in a large organisation Disposition, Adjustment, Attitude Commitment Used to working in a busy environment Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change A, I
Practical / Intellectual Skills Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions Professional calm and efficient manner Effective organizer, influencer and networker Demonstrates a strong desire to Improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals. Able to complete work to good standards and within agreed timescales Driving licence to enable travel between locations, as required Able to identify and manage critical issues and priorities Able to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues Ability to deal with competing pressures, effectively prioritising and managing own and others time. Influencing and negotiating skills Advanced knowledge in the use and understanding of common software packages Able to analyse complex information, draw conclusions and present findings / make recommendations to clinicians and management Able to develop systems to model trends and predict future patterns of income and expenditure A, I, P
CCG Values Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills, with excellent skills in Microsoft Excel. Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action. Strategic thinking- ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise Can provide clear evidence/examples of ability to adhere to CCG values: Respect Open and Honest Committed and Determined A, I Innovative Assessment method (A) application form, (I) Interview, (T) test, (P) presentation. Date: