Job Description

The post holder will be delivering 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.



This role will support with enhancing relationships between finance and clinical and non-clinical teams in financial performance management, use of resources, cost improvement development, financial planning and education.



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.



At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack:

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/



Main Duties and Responsibilities



Partnering



Supporting the delivery of the business partnering function providing future focused decision support, technical financial advice, business intelligence and reports to management to enable them to effectively manage resources for their area of responsibility.



Building effective relationships, internally, to effectively challenge performance, decision-making and outcomes.



Promote the use of financial and operational management information to review, assess and forecast unit performance. Support the production of multi-layer forecasts of Trust financial performance at all points in time, ensuring incorporation of the effects of all risks, opportunities and actions being taken across the Trust.



Identifies and highlights quickly and appropriately any evidence and/or risk 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 make recommendations on actions to 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 end



Resource Utilisation



Support with business case development, financial modelling, detailed financial analysis (including demand & capacity modelling), and investment appraisal in support of improving the quality of business cases and expediting decision-making, implementation and benefits realisation. This should include the evaluation of alternative models of service delivery to ensure the achievement of performance targets and long-term financial stability.



Support the production of business cases, including taking responsibility for the accuracy of the financial analysis. This includes the application of recognised investment appraisal techniques to proposals to improve decision making and ensure that developments can withstand robust financial scrutiny.



Support the development and 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 improve productivity and demonstrate the impact of this on financial performance.



Support 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.



Provide expert advice on the identification and achievement of waste reductions and productivity improvements using benchmarking and other comparative data to inform this process e.g. PLICs, GIRFT, Model Hospital etc.



Governance



Support 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 strategic financial risks are identified and properly assessed so that adequate arrangements for managing them can be implemented.



Communication & Engagement



The post holder may be required to support with writing high quality papers on all financial accounting, reporting and related issues; with appropriate consideration of purpose, background, guidance i.e. relevant accounting standards, laws and regulations, policies etc., materiality, analysis, risk, conclusions/recommendations.



The post holder may be required to present highly complex and highly sensitive financial information to small audiences of varying experience, disciplines and seniority.



Represent the Finance Department and its interests at internal meetings/events as required, acting independently, and effectively.



Service Delivery and Improvement



Maintain an up to date, in depth specialist knowledge - theory and experience - of financial and accounting procedures, financial aspects of relevant legislation and financial policies (governmental and NHS).



Identification and analysis of the consequences and risks of short and long term local service changes; ensuring that any impacts are communicated/escalated and understood.



Maintain a good understanding of Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) and ensures they are followed across the Trust, involving training and advising 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; and



Governance arrangements are aligned and adequate.



Contributes to and influences process improvement and transformation throughout the Trust to ensure financial requirements are appropriately met and financial governance is maintained.



People Management and Development



Be responsible for design of supporting structures and subsequent management, including motivating staff to meet deadlines and targets, recruitment, training, appraisal, implementation of HR policies and dealing with disciplinary/performance issues.



Be responsible for the personal development of any staff and ensure that every member of staff is regularly appraised, has a Personal Development Plan and is compliant with statutory and mandatory training requirements.



Maintain an up to date, in depth specialist knowledge - theory and experience - of financial and accounting procedures, financial aspects of NHS legislation and NHS financial policies. Ensure that this information is shared with senior finance team and the impact understood; together with cascade of information to relevant stakeholders.



Ensure that Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) are followed within the Division and cross-Trust, involving training and advising staff and monitoring compliance. Where breaches are discovered, ensure appropriate action is taken, in compliance with Trust policies.



Learning and Development



Commitment 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.



Applicants who have applied in the last 3 months need not apply