Band 9 Deputy Director of Financial Control

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Policy development

 The post holder is responsible for the development of financial policies and processes to be implemented across the Trust (including the subsidiary companies) in relation to financial accounting and financial control, this will take into account internal issues and the requirements of NHS policy either from the DH or the SHA.

The post holder is responsible for the development of financial reporting based on the data contained within the general ledger. This will take into account the requirements of NHS policy issued by the NCL ICB, NHSE, DH and or successor bodies.

The post holder will be expected to play a key role in the development of the medium-term financial strategy of the Trust.

The post holder will establish clear operational goals, policies and standards for use by others and ensure that staff across the organisation are aware of, and abide by, these policies.

The post holder will have the discretion to use their initiative and act independently, to interpret overall NHS guidance and financial standards for use by others within the Finance Department and the Trust as a whole. The post holder will ensure that through cascade of local guidance, the Trusts financial reporting is GAM and FREM compliant. 

Service Development 

The post holder will lead the assessment of the financial impact of NHS and other policy on Trust operations and services – e.g. new/amended financial reporting standards. Where possible, they should play an active role in any national debate regarding these issues.

The post holder will lead the development of performance indicators and metrics in the financial control team.

The post holder will support the development and operation of services within the Trust through the provision of high-quality financial information.

The post holder will lead the continuous development of Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders and Scheme of Reservation and Delegation of the requirements and confirm their commitment to act in accordance with them. 

The post holder will proactively oversee the development of the treasury policy and procedures of the trust, ensuring returns are maximised within an acceptable risk profile and that relationships are managed with external institutions.

The post holder will lead the continued improvement of cash forecasting procedures within the trust, ensuring that a robust level of liquidity is maintained. 

Analytical and Judgemental Skills 

Alongside the Director of Finance, the post holder will be expected to manage a multiplicity of targets, objectives and projects at any one time, ensuring that expert judgment and advice is provided to Senior Trust Management and the Trust Board.

The post holder will be expected to interpret guidance on accounting policies and practices and to advise others on this interpretation. 

People Management 

The post holder will be directly responsible for the management of 4 staff.

They will provide professional leadership, coaching, and technical / personal development to all finance staff (direct reports and other staff). In addition, they will work with their direct reports to plan the workload of these departments to ensure that they meet the operational and strategic needs of the Trust. 

Communication 

The post holder will have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate highly complex, sensitive or potentially contentious financial information effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to people at all levels within the organisation.

The post holder will communicate effectively with external and internal audit, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed quickly and to the satisfaction of both parties.

The post holder will have well developed presentation skills and be both able to prepare presentations which hold the attention of the listener and to deliver them verbally in a manner that retains interest.

The post holder will have the imagination to recommend different methods of representing financial data according to the preferences and learning styles of the recipients.

The post holder will be expected to frequently work with Trust Directors in various committees and groups and to influence and persuade staff at all levels within the organisation.

The post holder will work with other departments in the Trust to ensure that financial information, both for the general ledger is robust and accurate. This will 

Co-ordinate processes across boundaries and develop electronic solutions to data sharing and transfer.

The post holder will lead the day-to-day relationship with internal and external auditors providing information requested and ensuring that all recommendations are followed up. The post holder will work to ensure that all finance department audit reports receive substantial assurance ratings.

The post holder will be required to represent the Finance team both within the Trust and at external meetings, particularly when external reporting formats and accounting policies are being considered.  

Resource Management 

To be the lead person responsible for the preparation of year-end Trust consolidated accounts, ensuring these are produced and approved within agreed timescales to an appropriate level of accuracy and with detailed, auditable back up.

To provide expert advice on accounting issues to the Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance and the Finance Department and the rest of the organisation. Including analysis of all new accounting standards and policies for their impact on the organisation and offering advice on the response to, and implementation of, such standards and polices.

To be the lead person responsible for the preparation of any reports required by the NCL ICB, NHSE, DH or their successor bodies.

To work closely with the Director of Finance to reduce the timelines by which month end reports are prepared and issued.

To lead on all tax and VAT issues for the Trust.

To continuously improve the processes and practices of the financial control teams to improve efficiency and value added to the organisation.

The post holder will be the lead support to the audit committee and provide all necessary support to audit committee members.  

Information Management

 The post holder will line manage the Head of Information Systems to ensure that the financial systems architecture is configured in a way that ensures that financial systems deliver a good service to the organisation as a whole and are continually developed and improved.

Oversee that all Freedom of Information Requests are responded to in an accurate and timely manner.