Senior Finance Business Partner

Job content

Main Duties and Responsibilities Partnering 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. Undertake the monthly review of the Trusts 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. Corporate reporting including identification and quantification of risk responsible for compiling and agreeing with other senior finance staff the content of Board, Sustainability Committee, Trust Executive Committee and other internal reports.

Closing Month end Use of Resources Resource Utilisation Support with the development of internal capacity and capabilities related to 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 leading on and 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 review and 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 conduct reviews to ensure that the financial control environment is operating effectively and that information is shared with the Audit Committee for assurance purposes. Ensure 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 will be required to write 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 will be required to present highly complex and highly sensitive financial information to large audiences of varying experience, disciplines and seniority. At times this will involve delivering difficult messages and contentious information where there may be significant barriers to acceptance.

Attend Group, Committee and Board meetings, as required by the Director of Finance providing responses, both written and verbal, on financial performance issues. This will often include complex issues, which are open to interpretation. Support building effective relationships across providers, commissioners and systems for the region Represent the Trust and its interests at ICS, regional/national and public meetings/events as required, acting independently, decisively and effectively in sensitive and political situations. 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) and changes in planning and delivery arrangements at local, regional and national levels.

In response, lead on and ensure that Trust policy and procedures are up-to-date and communications are developed and deployed as appropriate. Coordinate identification and analysis of the consequences and risks of short and long term local service changes and national financial and other policy developments; ensuring that any impacts are communicated/escalated and understood. Supports the development of the 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.

Leads 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 Trusts 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 Duties As a member of the finance management team, provides financial advice (as required) on all aspects of the activities and financial governance of the organisation. As a senior member of staff, the post holder will be expected to work closely with the Deputy Director of Finance, and work flexibly at a high level to respond to any new projects or challenges which occur.

The post holder will be able to represent the Trust and their department professionally and command respect through 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.