Go back East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Assistant Finance Director – Financial Accounting
The closing date is 19 August 2025
The Assistant Finance Director - Financial Accounting is responsible for the provision of an efficient, effective and professional Financial Accounting service.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, experienced individual to become a member of the Senior Finance team, providing leadership and expert knowledge to the department and wider organisation.
The post holder is responsible for financial advice, information, accounting, forecasting and reporting of the capital and cash programmes. This individual has overall responsibility for the production of key Group financial information, including an integrated set of monthly financial accounts as required by NHSE and annual statutory accounts.
Main duties of the job
Whilst East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has a history of significant deficits and resulting liquidity issues it is investing heavily in turning that around. This is an exciting time to join the Team and make a significant contribution to that turnaround process. The Foundation Trust also has large and complicated subsidiaries generating a complex/technically challenging environment and Group structure for its Annual Accounts - everything an experienced Financial Accountant who is still wanting to expand their knowledge could want.
A member of the Finance leadership team, this role provides accurate, timely and robust financial information which supports the Foundation Trusts objectives and ensures it meets its strategic financial targets. The post holder is responsible for financial advice, information, accounting, forecasting and reporting of the capital and cash programmes.
The post holder oversees technical accounting arrangements at the Foundation Trust ensuring that the overall control environment is robust, documented and compliant with all statutory and professional accounting requirements. This individual has overall responsibility for the production of key Group financial information, including an integrated set of monthly financial accounts as required by NHSE; annual statutory accounts and relevant sections of the annual report.
About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
Job responsibilities
1. Interpretation and advice regarding existing guidance and proposed changes in both UK & International accounting standards and policies including NHS ARM, and the NHS financial regime, and the identification of the impact of potential changes regarding these highly complex issues.
2. Lead in Statutory Annual Accounts processes for the Foundation Trust, demonstrating advanced technical skills to ensure that the Group accounts are prepared where all assets and liabilities are reflected appropriately. Provide expert advice and guidance regarding the Foundation Trusts net current assets, ensuring that specific NHS and financial policies are followed.
3. Responsible for the Foundation Trust management of the Service Level Agreements with the East Kent Finance Consortium, ensuring that information which is integrated to the financial system is timely, accurate and professional in its presentation.
4. To ensure the Finance Consortium provides the full range of services to the Group, including the effective and efficient provisions of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Technical Accounts, Cashier service, Banking and Financial Systems
5. Lead and advise the Foundation Trust in relation to its responsibilities for VAT including managing and working with the organisations VAT advisors
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
* -Educated to degree level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience -Professional (Masters level) CCAB qualified accountant with 5 years post qualification experience -Evidence of relevant continued professional development
Skills and experience
* -Comprehensive knowledge of the NHS finance regime -Expert knowledge of financial accounting procedures and audit requirements -Highly developed analytical skills. -Substantial experience of finance at a senior level in the NHS or other large complex organisation. -An understanding of local and national performance targets. -Ability to prepare and present financial information to Finance and non-Finance professionals. -Line Management experience.
* -Group accounts experience -Significant experience of working in complex organisations
Personal/professional attributes
* -Line Management experience. Ability to manage self and exhibit personal skills, including self-awareness, self- management and drive for improvement -A highly developed range of financial and other analytical skills. -Ability to cope with frequent change and conflicting demands. -Achieving results, including drive for results across a broad ranging set of key outcomes, maintaining service user focus and personal integrity at all times. -Working with people, including effective communicating, influencing and negotiating skills. -Ability to work collaboratively, working within and outside of teams. -Ability to effectively explain and encourage understanding of financial issues within other staff groups. -Sound understanding of statutory requirements and returns including VAT. -Advanced IT skills in all Microsoft
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr