JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Head of Partnering and Financial Management Department: Finance Location: Leeds (with regular travel to London and regional offices) Reports To: Assistant Director of Finance Manages: One direct report (and operational oversight of team) Date Prepared: August 2017 PURPOSE In common with most organisations the NHS Confederation is continuously looking for innovative ways to deliver its objectives more efficiently. As such, the post holder will support the Assistant Director of Finance in delivering the vision of an Operating Model that supports finance being at the heart of decision making, specifically the management accounting and finance business partnering arrangements. The key objectives for the finance function are to better lever financial management knowledge in order to influence corporate objectives (including development), influence how decisions are made and for finance to be integral in the decision making process at all levels across the organisation in order to improve value delivered. This post will be expected to play a key role in developing and improving these objectives, primarily by leading the development of the department s financial management and finance business partnering function.
The post holder will directly lead a team in the support and delivery of a range of core functions, which include planning and management of budgets, the financial plan, financial reporting, financial management reporting to the relevant boards and Committees, process efficiency/improvement and improving decision support at Director level. In addition, the post holder will be expected to play an active part in the leadership of both the finance function and the wider corporate services directorate, including engaging with business colleagues to drive improvement and change. Responsible for Effective planning and management of budgets to enable the sustainable operations of the NHS Confederation and its component parts. Identifying key risks and issues from across the organisation and proactively manage solutions to support senior management decision making including enabling the engagement of finance colleagues Address common financial management themes/issues that colleagues in business feedback including through continually seeking to develop and improve associated processes and systems and through the engagement of finance and other corporate services in order to develop effective corporate services that are accessible to customers. Provide leadership and change management to finance people/functions most affected by changes to the Finance s operating model Provide a broader contribution to the finance function, specifically playing a key role in the Finance Review and Improvement Plan. To provide high-level financial advice to 10 business units that make up the NHS Confederation. The focus of this role will be on providing financial information, advice
and support to CEs, Directors and Budget holders to assist them in monitoring the financial performance and forward planning of their business unit in line with strategic objectives. This will include partnering with senior colleagues on new and existing work streams, by providing financial advice through various tools, and in so doing, make recommendations for improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the business units and of the charity. NATURE & SCOPE The NHS Confederation is the independent membership body that represents all types of providers and commissioners of NHS services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its business operations are performed through two entities; the NHS Confederation and its subsidiary company. The Head of Partnering and Financial Management will work across the whole organisation providing responsive and effective financial advice and support to senior management and budget holders. This is a demanding senior role within the team and will require the post holder to work flexibly and remotely between offices. The advice and expertise provided will directly affect decision-making in the organisation. The post holder will be required to understand the objectives and work content of business units and budget holders by undertaking a partnership with them (i.e. be an extension to their team) enabling them to make sound decisions on new and existing work. This advice will be documented and interpreted into sensible, sustainable, and consistent financial solutions that are in the best interests of the charity and that support the group strategic plan, group strategic objectives and financial governance policies. STRUCTURE CHART
Director of Finance and Resources Assistant Director of Finance Head of Partnering and Financial Management Financial Accountant Project Accountant (Fixed Term) Management Accountant Assistant Management Accountant Finance Assistant - Credit Control Finance Assistant - Purchase ledger ACCOUNTABILTIES Financial Monitoring and Control With support from the Management Accountant, to manage and oversee the provision of financial management information, reporting, analysis and advice. Support the Assistant Director of Finance in producing accurate financial reporting and KPI information that forms the key components of finance reports for boards and meetings (e.g. I&E, capital projects etc.). To ensure the budgets for the Business units reflect the plans agreed by the executive team, network boards, and Board of Trustees. To provide financial advice and support to CEs, Directors, business unit leads, and budget holders in respect of monthly management accounts and performance reporting. To assist the CEs, Directors and budget holders in the production of robust financial forecasts. To develop and monitor action plans to address income, expenditure and activity variances and meet financial targets. To assist business unit leads in the costing and pricing of new work (e.g. contracts, grants) for the provision of services
To ensure that appropriate arrangements for financial control are in place and that Standing Orders, SFIs, and other Charity financial policies and procedures are adhered to both within Business units and the Finance Department. To ensure the appropriate arrangements for financial control and the safeguarding of the charity assets are in place To ensure non-finance staff receive adequate training to fulfil their duties as budget-holders. Business Planning and Budgeting To assist the Director of finance and Resources and Assistant Director of Finance in the preparation of the four year financial strategy and the underlying finance department plan, including underpinning financial modelling by coordinating and working with stakeholders to build robust financial plans. To lead on the budget setting cycle for the group, liaising with Planning leads and delivery on business planning, and produce a consolidated group revenue and capital projects budget for review with the Director, to agreed timescales. To help identify and quantify cost pressures, assessing the impact of changes on the membership offer and other services provided. To ensure that departmental budgets reflect agreed business plans ensuring delivery is sustainable and achievable. To support and coordinate with the Director, the development of cost improvement programmes and income generation schemes as required. To challenge, support and advise CEs, Directors and business unit leads in the financial input to capital and revenue business cases and the utilisation of reserves. Financial accounting, external and Internal Audit Provide oversight to the Management Accountant in liaising on key issues affecting the financial accounts function Support the Director in management of the management accounting related internal audits and related recommendations for completion.
Provide oversight and assistance to the Financial Accountant in relation to the year-end process, production of the annual financial statements and liaison with the external auditors as appropriate. Projects and Systems development To contribute to the further development of the financial systems and wider business unit needs by helping the Director of Finance and Resources, Assistant Director of Finance and Project Accountant in developing business cases as appropriate Provide financial advice and support on corporate financial issues and groupwide projects where appropriate Line Management and other Line manage the Management Accountant and provide operational oversight of the finance function by supporting the Financial Accountant and their team. To help develop and maintain professional standards within the Finance Department and to actively seek and encourage feedback from users of financial services to enable continuous improvement plans to be implemented. To help recruit, manage, motivate and train finance staff as appropriate To persuade others at all levels, including CEs, of a particular course of action or viewpoint whilst respecting their point of view. To manage a diverse set of contact relationships and conflicting priorities. To set and negotiate priorities for themselves and others. To demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development. To act as finance representative at meetings as appropriate and deputise for the Director of Finance and Resources and Assistant Director of Finance where appropriate. Any other duties, commensurate with the grade and nature of this post.
Person Specification: Able to influence key internal & external stakeholders across a number of different levels, with great interpersonal skills Able to work independently and deliver on time and at a consistently high standard Clear communicator with a critical eye for detail yet able to simplify the complex in communications Commitment to problem-solving and improving processes, always anticipating the question, and looking for better ways of doing things Pro-active and fully engaged with a customer focussed mind-set Knowledge, Training & Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with significant post-qualification experience Strong commercial/professional acumen gained at a medium sized, fast growing, high demand business Highly numerate, analytical and commercially-minded individual with expert Excel, report writing and experience with financial systems Personal Attributes: Teamwork Strong team player across both Finance and the wider organisation Collaborative approach to building effective relationships Ability and awareness to put yourself in others shoes Communicate in a clear and compelling manner, adapting style to meet needs of the audience Integrity Accountability and ownership for results Ability to maintain objectivity and independence Ability to utilise data to identify key issues to achieve long-range goal Passion Personal drive and passion to make a difference Pro-activity to take on responsibility Think creatively and with confidence to see things through to implementation and completion Inspire others and create possibilities for finance to be at the heart of decision making Excellence Positive approach and mind-set to process improvement Utilise planning and organisational skills to prioritise and meet timescales Creativity in identifying solutions and solving problems Challenge commercial rationale for decisions, ensuring it is robust and measurable SAFETY
Health and Safety at Work Act The post holder is required to take reasonable care for the safety and health of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts; and to co-ordinate with management in the promotion and maintenance of health and safety measures. SIGNATURES Jobholder Name Signature Date Manager Name Signature Date Director Name Signature Date.........