Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our team as a Band 4/5 Cost Accountant. We are open to offering this as a Band 4 developmental opportunity.
We are advertising for one full-time post to work in the finance team, based at our office in Rainham.You will ideally be AAT qualified or working towards it and have a good working knowledge of IT systems, particularly Excel. Previous finance experience in an NHS environment is an advantage, although not essential, as appropriate training will be available. Previous finance experience in Business partnering is also an advantage, as you are required to have a full understanding of finance principles.
The role available is hybrid and will cover the borough within NELFT, requiring travel from time to time.
Main duties of the job
Support development of Patient Level Costing by ensuring that all necessary data is captured and that the information is presented in an appropriate format for a broad range of staff.
To be an exemplar of the Trusts costing system; to model, develop and ensure the Trust is always working with the latest version.
About us
Our Values 2025 - 2030
Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have coproduced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.
They are:
We are kind.
We are respectful.
We work together with our communities.
These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of 4,714 to a maximum of 5,941 per annum (pro rata for part time).
Details
Date posted
26 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 37,796 a year per annum pro rata plus HCAS
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number
395-CC375-25
Job locations
CEME
Marsh Way
Rainham
RM13 8GQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the post:

• To support and develop the National Cost & PLICs collection both internally and externally.
• To continually develop systems and procedures to improve accuracy and reliability of outputs.
• To manage data and information accurately and completely using the latest versions of policies and procedures in manual and electronic systems.
• Continually review the quality of data provided/downloaded from the costing system, working closely with Business Partners and Information staff to constantly improve and enhance the data

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application.
We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Please apply as soon as possible as some posts close early to limit the number of applications.
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process. Job description
Job responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the post:

• To support and develop the National Cost & PLICs collection both internally and externally.
• To continually develop systems and procedures to improve accuracy and reliability of outputs.
• To manage data and information accurately and completely using the latest versions of policies and procedures in manual and electronic systems.
• Continually review the quality of data provided/downloaded from the costing system, working closely with Business Partners and Information staff to constantly improve and enhance the data

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application.
We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Please apply as soon as possible as some posts close early to limit the number of applications.
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• AAT qualified or previous experience of working in an management accounting environment
• minimum of 5 GCSE's including Maths & English

Desirable

• Studying towards CCAB professional accountancy qualification

Experience Assessment method *
Essential

• Experience of working in a NHS Finance Environment with examples
• Previous experience of using accounting systems with examples

Desirable

• Previous experience of using a costing system with examples

Knowledge
Essential

• o An understanding of the key principals of Costing
• o Experience in analysing Patient Data
• o Experience in variance anaylsis and investigation

Skills
Essential

• Strong numerical, written and verbal skills
• Ability to work flexibly and adjust to changing requirements
• Good IT skills including creating and maintaining spreadsheets
• Able to delivery accurate, quality work within agreed timescales

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• AAT qualified or previous experience of working in an management accounting environment
• minimum of 5 GCSE's including Maths & English

Desirable

• Studying towards CCAB professional accountancy qualification

Experience Assessment method *
Essential

• Experience of working in a NHS Finance Environment with examples
• Previous experience of using accounting systems with examples

Desirable

• Previous experience of using a costing system with examples

Knowledge
Essential

• o An understanding of the key principals of Costing
• o Experience in analysing Patient Data
• o Experience in variance anaylsis and investigation

Skills
Essential

• Strong numerical, written and verbal skills
• Ability to work flexibly and adjust to changing requirements
• Good IT skills including creating and maintaining spreadsheets
• Able to delivery accurate, quality work within agreed timescales

Skills Required