Assistant Finance Business Partner

Analyses financial data. About our TrustAt UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.Job overviewThe post holder will be assisting with the provision of financial support to the Business Partnering function provided to a small number of Operational and Corporate Directorates. The role will involve providing high quality financial management working closely alongside the operational team to support delivery of the Trust objectives.Main duties of the jobReporting directly to the Finance Business Partner, the post holder will be a key member of the Finance Team and support the Finance Business Partner in ensuring that the use of resources is both understood and maximised. In addition the postholder may deputise for the Finance Business Partner, as appropriate, demonstrating accounting and business knowledge, providing analytical support and clear presentation of financial and other information to clinical and non-clinical colleagues. They will support with the delivery of all aspects of the financial and business performance of the Trust.This role will support with building relationships between finance and clinical and non-clinical teams in financial performance management, use of resources, cost improvement development, financial planning and education.Working for our organisationAt UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesMain Duties and ResponsibilitiesPartneringSupporting the delivery of the business partnering function providing support, financial advice, and reports to management to enable them to effectively manage resources for their area of responsibility.Building effective relationships, internally, to inform, decision-making and outcomes.Support the production of multi-layer forecasts of Trust financial performance at all points in time.Identifies and highlights quickly and appropriately any evidence of divergence from financial plans, targets or forecasts at any level in the Trust and work with management to develop mitigations to return performance to plan/forecast.Support the monthly review of the Trust's financial performance at all levels within deadlines and ensure that financial performance meets targets and is fully understood and agreed by relevant stakeholders.Support the Deputy Director of Finance and Assistant Director of Finance to hold divisions and corporate directorate budget holders to account through formal periodic reviews of all financial performance.Month endUse of ResourcesResource UtilisationSupport with elements of business case development, financial analysis and support improving the quality of business cases and expediting decision-making, implementation and benefits realisation.Support the monitoring of non-financial performance indicators (e.g. length of stay, theatre utilisation) to identify areas where the use of resources can be improved. Work with operational managers and clinicians to demonstrate the impact of productivity changes on financial performance.Support with providing information to enable the negotiation of commissioning agreements with external organisations for services provided or received to ensure that income is maximised or best value for money is achieved respectively e.g. local price reviews, PLICs/Reference costs.Support with benchmarking and value for money audits to ensure best practice and optimal utilisation of resources.Support the Trust in setting realistic and achievable waste reduction/efficiency targets and developing robust plans that ensure and maximise delivery; both on an annual basis and for the medium/long-term plans.GovernanceSupport the maintenance of the Standing Financial Instructions and internal financial control procedures to ensure these operate as designed and provide appropriate levels of assurance on accuracy, completeness and anti-fraud measures.In conjunction with Internal Audit, support reviews to ensure that the financial control environment is operating effectively and that information is shared with the Audit Committee for assurance purposes.Support with ensuring that operational and financial risks are identified and properly assessed so that adequate arrangements for managing them can be implemented.Communication & EngagementThe post holder may be required to present financial information to small audiences of varying experience, disciplines and seniority.Represent the Finance Department and its interests at internal meetings/events as required.Service Delivery and ImprovementDevelop and maintain an up to date, in depth knowledge - theory and experience - of financial and accounting procedures.Understand the consequences and risks of short and long term local service changes.Maintain a good understanding of Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) and ensures they are followed across the Trust, involving training and advising non finance staff and monitoring compliance. Where breaches are discovered, ensure appropriate action is taken, in compliance with Trust policies.Supports innovative and continuous process review and improvement for Planning and Delivery activities, to ensure that:Processes and procedures are up-to-date, relevant and efficient, minimising manual transactions, and delivering standardisation;Reporting solutions are cutting edge and effective;Financial systems are appropriate, efficient and effectively used; andGovernance arrangements are aligned and adequate.Contributes process improvement and transformation throughout the Trust to ensure financial requirements are appropriately met and financial governance is maintained.Learning and DevelopmentCommitment to improve skill levels and knowledge by participation in appropriate training and learning opportunities.Responsible for maintaining own professional development including being aware of new developments within the sphere of the role.Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the appraisal and personal development process.Participate in the Trust's appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.Attend mandatory and statutory training as required; ensuring compliance is maintained.Other Role-Specific DutiesAs a member of the finance team, provides financial advice (as required) on all aspects of the activities and financial governance of the organisation.As a member of staff, the post holder will be expected to work flexibly to respond to any new projects or challenges which occur. The post holder will be able to represent their department professionally and share their knowledge and expertise.Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.Person specificationExperience/ QualificationsEssential criteriaAAT qualified or Foundation level professional accountancy qualification (certificate level).Commitment to Continuing Professional Development to the level required of a Professional Accountancy Body.Educated to at least degree level or experience equivalent to an honours degree or NVQ Level 5.Desirable criteriaStudying for CCAB accountancy qualificationsKnowledge and ExperienceEssential criteriaThorough understanding of accounting principles (Accruals and provisions; Costing; Variance Analysis and forecasting; Budgeting and financial planning).Understand the relationship between the Balance Sheet, I&E and Cashflow.The principles of Standing Financial Instructions.Specialist knowledge across work procedures underpinned by theory.Desirable criteriaKnowledge of the key financial performance targets for the NHSCommunication and InterpersonalEssential criteriaExperience effectively communicating complex financial information to non-finance managers.Confidence presenting financial information to a senior audience Ability to coach budget holders.Professional telephone manner.Desirable criteriaExperience of close working relationships with senior clinicians.Provide teaching seminars to groups of budget holders.Analytical and JudgementalEssential criteriaAnalyses financial data.Analyses, investigates and resolves financial queries and discrepancies/complex financial queries and discrepancies.Complex facts or situations requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of a range of options.Planning and OrganisationalEssential criteriaDiscuss financial queries with staff, suppliers, customers, which are often complex, including reasons for delays in payment and other sensitive issues; discusses financial issues with customers, which may be contentious; provides advice on complex financial and corporate issues to non- financial managers; negotiates with NHS, external organisations over cost, service issues.Understand the short and medium term objectives for the department.Ability to set priorities to ensure operational objectives are met within a deadline.Ability to work on a diverse set of projects at one time and to meet imposed deadlines.FinancialEssential criteriaExperience in a financial management roleInformation and Communication TechnologyEssential criteriaHigh level of competence in spreadsheets, including use of macros and interrogation of databases. Ability to use Word and PowerPoint.Input information and extract it from a finance system such as Oracle GL and understand how it is supported.Understand how IT systems can be used for informing planning and monitoring.Desirable criteriaUnderstand how IT systems can be used for informing planning and monitoring.People Management and DevelopmentEssential criteriaAbility to work calmly under pressureFreedom to ActEssential criteriaClearly defined occupational policies, work is managed, rather than supervised.Works within policies and procedures, work is managed not supervised.EDIEssential criteriaEvidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issuesGeneral information for applicantsAs part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applicationsFurther InformationFor help with the application process for non medical vacancies only, please contact the Resourcing Team by Email: ##### certification / accreditation badgesDocuments to downloadJob Description & Person Specification (PDF, 680.3KB)Our Trust at a glance (PDF, 153.0KB)All Staff Networks About Us Flyer (PDF, 304.4KB)
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