Band 8a - Head of Financial Accounts

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated individual to join the Trust as Head of Financial Accounts.
The successful applicant will have highly developed specialised knowledge and experience across a range of procedures and practices, including a thorough understanding of the NHS Manual for Accounts, application of various FRS's (Financial Reporting Standards), Charities and VAT legislation, the Trust's SFI's (Standing Financial), Standing Orders and Powers of Reservation.
The post holder will lead, manage and motivate the Financial Accounts team to deliver an effective financial accounting service to the Executive Team, Senior Managers, and all service users both internal and external, and to ensure the team meets all internal and external deadlines.
You should be a qualified Accountant and ideally have relevant post qualification accounting experience., Responsible for the development and implementation of a range of policies and procedures including the SFIs, that impact within the Finance Directorate and across the Trust and to ensure the highest levels of financial governance and performance standards are achieved and maintained this involves working with other finance managers to ensure consistency across the Financial Accounts Department and wider organisation.
Responsible for the delivery/provision of accounting and financial services for the Financial Accounts department including the planning of manpower and financial resources required to meet the delivery of the service. Special attention/focus will need to be given to the allocation of responsibilities and co-ordination of the various finance and non-finance functions i.e. Patient Affairs, workforce planning, wards and departments and external agencies such as the external audit, internal audit, counter fraud and HM Revenue and Customs.
Responsible for ensuring that the Trust's Statutory Accounts and external and internal monthly reporting are completed in accordance with timetables and guidelines distributed by the NHS Executive. On-going review is required on streamlining processes for reporting.

Working for our organisation
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imaging models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
At West Herts we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly.
We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact [email protected].
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.
Working hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, office and home working, with a minimum of two days in the office.