Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Independent Sector Finance team for a full-time permanent finance assistant.
We are looking for a flexible individual who is enthusiastic, willing to learn and a great team player. The Trust have many service users who are charged for social care services and this post will be responsible for the day-to-day management of an ever changing workload.
The post holder will implement the full Debt Management Function - to manage, oversee and monitor the collection of income relating to Residential and Nursing Accommodation, Domiciliary, Day Care, Supported Living Services and Direct payment service users.
To process invoices for our service users on a rolling four weekly cycle contributing to the income generation of circa 15 Million pounds per year.
To be responsible for maintaining your own continuous professional development by attending relevant training courses with the aim to continuously improve on knowledge and skills.
Once you are trained to an acceptable level, we will be able to offer hybrid working between the office and home working at the managers discretion.
Post will be subject to inflationary pay increase once agreed for each financial year.
Main duties of the job

• To manage current debt for each service user. Chase aged debt in line with procedures and to ensure that future debt is kept to a minimum.
• Responsible for writing, emailing or telephoning service users/representatives in line with the debt management process for Adult Social Care. This will include correspondence relating to debt collectors and legal department involvement which can be distressing for the service user/representative.
• To manage and prioritise personal workload within conflicting timescales & deadlines, whilst having constant interruptions by phone calls from service users, representatives, external bodies, colleagues in the office and regular e-mails.
• To provide advice to Service Users regarding the Trust's charging policies. Explaining to service users where necessary the Trusts charging mechanisms and the financial implications for them.
• To provide advice, assistance and emotional support to Service Users, representatives and external bodies regarding concerns and queries regarding their accounts and other related issues in line with data protection requirements.
• To ensure that any financial processes delegated to the post-holder are carried out in accordance with the delegated powers & financial regulations of the Trust.
• To work towards having an in depth knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, FIMS, PARIS and finance systems such as Torbay Finance Modules (TFM).
• To have a wider knowledge Social Care and Health funded Contracts.

About us
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is an integrated organisation providing acute health care services from Torbay Hospital, community health services and adult social care.
This post is responsible to the Debt Management Finance Manager and Independent Sector Finance Lead who have extensive knowledge and experience in this area.
The Debt Management team are a small close-knit team who work hard together to ensure our service users get a professional and courteous service. The team help a lot of service users on a daily basis and have to have empathy for their situation which does give a rewarding feeling when you can come up with solutions for the service users or their representatives to ensure debts do not rise.
Why work with us - 1 (pagetiger.com)
Details
Date posted
24 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Reference number
388-7506206-CORP
Job locations
Regent House
Regent Close
Torquay
TQ2 7AN
Job description
Job responsibilities
Full Vacancy details can be found on the attached /Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Full Vacancy details can be found on the attached /Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• 5 GCSE's grades A-C including Maths and English or equivalent
• Competent in IT systems and application of Microsoft Office
• Previous office experience

Desirable

• Other qualifications or experience to NVQ3 standard
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT Intermediate level qualified or equivalent level of knowledge)
• Previous debt recovery experience
• Previous finance background

Knowledge and experience
Essential

• Ability to demonstrate a numerical, methodical and accurate approach to administrative and finance matters with high attention to detail
• Ability to accurately input high volumes of financial information into various IT systems
• Be able to analyse data to produce spread sheets and reports with advanced keyboard skills
• The ability to analyse, investigate and resolve financial queries and discrepancies which may require the use of tact and diplomacy when dealing with service users and their representatives
• The ability to communicate at the appropriate stage with certain staff within the Trust, external agencies and members of the public often to explain financial information
• Proven organisational and time management skills
• Able to take responsibility, work on own initiative and as part of a team

Desirable

• Previous in house experience

Specific Skills
Essential

• Knowledge of finance systems
• Proven experience of working, dealing with customers/public
• Good interpersonal skills, including communication and listening skills, empathy, tact and diplomacy
• The ability to observe confidentiality when dealing with all Care Trust information - Data Protection Act
• Ability to communicate appropriately with service users on a day to day basis

Desirable

• Experience of working with external agencies including the Department of Work and Pensions
• Knowledge of Social Care assessment processes and charging policies
• Knowledge of welfare and benefits

Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• 5 GCSE's grades A-C including Maths and English or equivalent
• Competent in IT systems and application of Microsoft Office
• Previous office experience

Desirable

• Other qualifications or experience to NVQ3 standard
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT Intermediate level qualified or equivalent level of knowledge)
• Previous debt recovery experience
• Previous finance background

Knowledge and experience
Essential

• Ability to demonstrate a numerical, methodical and accurate approach to administrative and finance matters with high attention to detail
• Ability to accurately input high volumes of financial information into various IT systems
• Be able to analyse data to produce spread sheets and reports with advanced keyboard skills
• The ability to analyse, investigate and resolve financial queries and discrepancies which may require the use of tact and diplomacy when dealing with service users and their representatives
• The ability to communicate at the appropriate stage with certain staff within the Trust, external agencies and members of the public often to explain financial information
• Proven organisational and time management skills
• Able to take responsibility, work on own initiative and as part of a team

Desirable

• Previous in house experience

Specific Skills
Essential

• Knowledge of finance systems
• Proven experience of working, dealing with customers/public
• Good interpersonal skills, including communication and listening skills, empathy, tact and diplomacy
• The ability to observe confidentiality when dealing with all Care Trust information - Data Protection Act
• Ability to communicate appropriately with service users on a day to day basis

Desirable

• Experience of working with external agencies including the Department of Work and Pensions
• Knowledge of Social Care assessment processes and charging policies
• Knowledge of welfare and benefits

Skills Required