Head of Financial Accounting

The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of individuals from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. DCHS is also an LGBT inclusive employer. Selection will be on a basis of merit. The Trust has achieved the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees to invite to assessment applicants who meet the criteria for the job vacancy. To ensure the diversity of the workforce and understand the differing needs of our communities, the Trust is committed to the principles of Positive Action.

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The Head of Financial Accounting is a key leadership role within the Finance and Procurement team  role purpose is to ensure the effective operation and development of financial control and reporting mechanisms maintaining a focus on integrity and efficacy of these systems in support of overall organisational objectives. Key role responsibilities include overall management of the financial ledger system, development of the financial accounting team and accounting for fixed assets and capital expenditure.

Although accountable to the Deputy Director of Finance, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously, guided by policies and professional accounting standards. The post holder will be expected to interpret such policies and standards.

• Overall responsibility for planning and producing the annual accounts of the Trust, in compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including being the Trust lead with external auditors and preparing papers for the Director of Finance and the Audit Committee.
• Interpretation and application of relevant statutory and regulator guidance and accounting standards, notably the NHS Foundation Trust annual reporting manual.
• Liaise and negotiate with external auditors regarding the content of information provided in the Trust's Annual Accounts and Returns, e.g., the method of calculation of the Trust’s Bad Debt Provision or the basis for the Partial Exemption VAT calculation.
• Preparation of detailed working papers to satisfy external audit requirements.
• Responsibility for securing the Agreement of Balances exercise, negotiating with other NHS bodies where necessary and completing returns within required deadlines.

• CCAB Qualified Accountant (or CIMA)
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Currently employed by one of the organisations within the Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB cluster

• Experience of working at a senior management level with a financial environment in a large complex organisation
• Significant experience of preparing financial statements / accounts
• Significant experience of interpreting / applying international accounting standards
• Experience of challenging existing systems, and putting new solutions in place
• In depth knowledge of the NHS financial environment
• Experience of managing teams to deliver strategic objectives
• Experience of delivery of Annual Accounts within an NHS/Public Sector context
• Confident user of IT e.g. Microsoft Office, integrated financial ledger system, databases. Advanced Excel
• Able to form judgments and make autonomous decisions guided by policies and procedures
• Practical experience of financial accounting practices (preparation of reconciliations, accounts payable, credit control, banking etc.)

• Experience of developing and critiquing business cases
• Experience of NHS financial policies and processes

• Good communication skills, able to explain complex financial issues to non-finance managers
• Effective analytical skills, able to solve complex financial and non‑financial problems

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and a desire to live by the Trust's values.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to plan and prioritise the completion of high volume / complex tasks
• Motivates others
• Acts with integrity and professionalism at all times
• Approachable both to staff, Finance colleagues and Trust budget managers
• Ability to negotiate and resolve disputes.
• Team player with a positive 'can do' attitude to objectives and challenges

Applicants must have appropriate UK professional registration.

• Head of Financial Accounting (PDF, 512.6KB)
• Application Guidance (PDF, 248.4KB)
• Applicant Pack (PDF, 1.4MB)

For further assistance with the application form, please contact the Recruitment Team at  option 1, or via e‑mail at

Note – If we receive a high number of applications for this position we reserve the right to withdraw the post before the closing date, therefore we advise you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we are open to accommodating flexible working arrangements, including job share, part time or other flexible patterns. Please discuss your options with us.