County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Corporate Group Accountant
The closing date is 13 May 2026
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Corporate Group Accountant to join our award‑winning Financial Management function. The role is a key part of our finance team, providing financial support and guidance to the trust and its subsidiary company while contributing to the department’s financial strategy.
We operate an agile working policy, with team members based on site for part of each week and the option to work from home two days per week on a rota basis. As an ACCA approved employer, a CIMA premier partner and a member of the AAT Employer Scheme, we offer excellent developmental and career progression opportunities.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as they are currently under‑represented.
Responsibilities
* Provide financial management advice, information and support to Corporate and the Trust Subsidiary (SCL) management teams.
* Lead the interaction between CDDFT and SCL from a finance perspective, ensuring agreed tasks are completed on time and in accordance with the set timetable.
* Act as the named individual for financial interactions between CDDFT and SCL.
* Deliver comprehensive financial management and business advice to Corporate Departments, facilitating the achievement of their service and business objectives.
* Support the Corporate Accountant in fulfilling other corporate financial responsibilities such as Annual Accounts, NHSI plans and returns, freedom of information requests, and liaison with internal/external audit.
* Develop and maintain systems of reporting financial performance, contributing to continuous improvement and increased productivity and quality.
* Manage a financial management team, allocating workload, supporting development, training, and education, including annual appraisals.
* Monitor, report and advise on current and forecast financial performance, ensuring targets are achieved through action plans.
* Provide financial support during the division’s business planning and contracting process, analysing data and advising on revenue, capital and efficiencies.
* Attend regular meetings with Corporate staff and deputise for the Corporate Accountant as required.
* Perform any other duties delegated from time to time.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience of working within a finance function.
* Experience of using computerised finance systems (General Ledger & report writing software).
* Experience with Microsoft Office software applications.
* Experience working within NHS finance.
* Knowledge of recruitment, appraisal, delegation, training, staff discipline and relevant HR policies and procedures.
* Experience using Oracle General Ledger and Discoverer.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Advising finance and non‑finance managers on matters related to their area, providing detailed advice and guidance.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills with staff at all levels within and outside the Trust.
* Ability to convey current financial concepts clearly and persuasively.
* Analytical skills to produce and analyse business cases, including development and appraisal of options to optimise resource allocation.
* Ability to plan and manage workload of own team, ensuring high quality delivery within deadlines.
* Knowledge of Corporate Governance Manual and ability to apply accountability, transparency, integrity and public‑good principles.
* Supervision skills to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
* Risk management knowledge and advice on financial risk, controls and required actions.
* Aware of the organisation’s position in the marketplace and use of that to challenge processes and data for improvements.
* Continuous improvement orientation, seeking feedback from customers and stakeholders.
* Excellent organisational, independent‑working, pressure tolerance and communication skills.
* Team‑working, motivation, delegation, influencing, analytical and negotiation skills.
* Knowledge of the current NHS funding regime, financial developments and initiatives such as Service Line Reporting and Patient Level Costing.
* Data manipulation within software, including ability to programme software for new information structures.
Qualifications
* CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification, or finalist, or significant equivalent NHS Financial Management experience working towards a CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or evidence of continued professional development.
* CCAB Professional Accountancy Qualification or finalist.
Special Requirements
* A commitment to continuous development of the finance department, innovation and improvement of performance.
* Able to travel throughout the Trust Area.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
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