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The Opportunity

Role Summary

Director of Finance

Grade: Within the range £62,000 - £77,000 + Lease Car, Pension and Relocation where appropriate – Scale 8d

Reports to: Managing Director

Whilst reporting in both statutory and professional terms to the Director of Finance & Business Management of Liverpool PCT , the Director of Finance is an Executive Director of Provider Services and a full and equal member of the Board of Directors, sharing responsibility for governance, performance and setting strategic direction and for meeting the objectives of the business plans. The Director of Finance is specifically responsible for leading financial planning and management. This will include advising the Chair, Managing Director and Board on financial strategy and management, procurement and supplies, payroll, finance risk, investment appraisal, raising of debt and other finance, covenant compliance, cash flow management, PR/communications on aspects of finance issues, commercial opportunities and risks, financial responsibilities and issues related to being an NHS Community Foundation Trust and financial systems development.

The post holder will also oversee the area of - integrated governance and IM&T.

During the Autonomous Period of Operation the Director of Finance will gain a thorough understanding of how the role will change on moving to Foundation Trust status. The Director of Finance will produce and deliver a detailed project plan to meet the financial requirements specific to the Foundation Trust application.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning and Strategy

  • 1.1. To formulate and implement a financial strategy which supports the Service Strategy, providing strategic leadership across the organisation and helping to strengthen finance’s contribution to Provider Services’ success.
  • 1.2. Develop and implement an effective strategy for the efficient maintenance, utilisation, safe custody and protection of ownership of Provider Services’ fixed assets.
  • 1.3. The completion of the Long Term Financial Model (LTFM) and scenario planning in preparation for initial Monitor assessment.
  • 1.4. To provide comprehensive financial services to Provider Services, including production of budget proposals, development of effective budgetary control systems, development of the financial planning process and its integration into the business planning process, particularly ensuring that this is co-ordinated with the budget setting process.
  • 1.5. To produce robust activity-based budgets for the Board's approval in collaboration with the appropriate Executive Directors and Managers.
  • 1.6. To develop processes which will enable Provider Services to maximises its financial opportunities in terms of gaining and using income, and managing its cash and working capital.
  • 1.7. To appraise current and forecast outcomes of operational strategies and report on financial performance to the Board, stakeholders and regulators as appropriate.
  • 1.8. To lead the development of ‘local tariffs’ for services and ensure that Provider Services implements national policies relating to finance in a way that maximises the financial benefit and stability of the organisation.

2. Corporate Performance, Financial and Contract Management

  • 2.1 To maintain stringent liquidity controls through a process of tight and cost effective cash management procedures in order to minimise the utilisation of Provider Services’ credit facilities.
  • 2.2 To provide the Board and budget holders with timely, accurate and regular integrated financial and activity information to enable them to manage their contract and budgetary position, developing effective ways of producing information for budget holders, educating those who commit resources to promote the most effective use of resources in line with the needs of the service.
  • 2.3 To ensure managers are aware of their financial responsibilities, appropriately trained and advised on working within their budgets.
  • 2.4 To provide advice and support to managers in developing business cases, bids and tender responses.
  • 2.5 To advise the Managing Director on matters of financial and operational efficiency and to be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • 2.6 To work with service managers to drive improvements in productivity and efficiency in order to meet annual improvement targets and deliver the organisation’s overall financial plans.
  • 2.7 To lead on and monitor the maintenance of financial probity within

3. Contract Negotiations

  • 3.1. To provide the lead role in the negotiation process with all commissioners and other stakeholders, in close collaboration with the Chief Executive and Director of Service Development.
  • 3.2. To work with the Chief Executive and Director of Service Development on the development of financially robust service plans.

4. Financial Accounts, Risk and Probity

  • 4.1. To prepare final accounts each year in good time for the statutory deadlines, ensuring that they follow appropriate guidance and meet the required standards.
  • 4.2. To take an active role in all matters relating to the reduction of risk and its management. To take executive lead in the management of financial risk and to be proactive in the introduction of methods to reduce to a minimum where possible.
  • 4.3. To ensure that there is an effective internal audit process and to provide lead financial input into the Audit Committee.
  • 4.4. To ensure the provision of an adequate local counter fraud service.
  • 4.5. Maintain relationships with external professional advisers including but not limited to Provider Services’ solicitors and management consultants. Play lead role in liaison with regulatory bodies.
  • 4.6. Effectively manage financial agreements between Provider Services and stakeholders to ensure appropriate recovery of costs.

5. Governance

  • 1. The development of a robust integrated governance structure and service.
  • To test the Governance arrangements and control processes to ensure they will meet Monitor’s requirements.

6. Information

  • To oversee the development and implementation of the IM&T Strategy.
  • To ensure the completion of statutory returns in a timely manner.
  • The development of key indicators of service performance.

7. Management

  • Within the oversight of the PCT Director of Finance ,to provide professional leadership, support and advice to Finance, Governance and Information staff, ensuring all staff are appropriately skilled and providing training opportunities for these staff.
  • To ensure all directorate staff have a meaningful development review/appraisal and personal development plan in place.
  • To develop each of the 3 teams into high quality services.

Corporate Responsibilities

As a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Team:

  • To reflect and promote the values of the organisation in all activities.
  • To participate in the on-call rota for Provider Services.
  • To assist in setting the strategic direction of Provider Services
  • To contribute to the corporate plans, policies and decision-making as a full member of the Board.
  • To further develop the Trust’s overall performance management framework and to monitor the performance of the organisation against Healthcare Commission Standards and other Corporate Objectives.
  • Operate at all times in accordance with professional codes of conduct, maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and ensure that high standards of corporate/clinical governance, conduct and probity are maintained throughout the organisation.
  • To support the Managing Director in ensuring that the highest standards of corporate governance and personal behaviour are maintained in the organisation.
  • To ensure compliance with Standing Orders and SFIs and its compliance with employment legislation.
  • To ensure effective local dialogue and engagement between the organisation and the local community on its plans and performance, and that these are responsive to the community's needs.
  • To ensure the proper completion of accounting records throughout the year and presentation of Statutory Accounts in time for external audit.
  • To contribute to the successful team working of the Board and Executive Team, including the audit committee.

Accountability

The post-holder will be directly accountable to the Managing Director and as an NHS Manager will observe the principles set out in the 'Code of Conduct for NHS Managers'.

This job description is indicative of the range of duties for the postholder. It is not intended to be exhaustive and changes will be discussed with the post holder.

Health and Safety

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury to themselves or to others and to co-operate with the Trust in meeting its statutory requirements.

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

It is the responsibility of every member of staff to understand our equality and diversity commitments and statutory obligations under current equality legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, the Equality Act 2006 and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and to:

  • Act in ways that support equality and diversity and recognises the importance of people’s rights in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and good practice.
  • Valuing people as individuals and treating everyone with dignity and respect, consideration and without prejudice, respecting diversity and recognising peoples expressed beliefs, preferences and choices in working with others and delivering appropriate services.
  • Recognise and report behaviour that undermines equality under Trust policy.
  • Be consciously aware of own behaviour and encourage the same levels of behaviour in colleagues.
  • Acknowledge others’ different perspectives and recognise the diverse needs and experiences of everyone they come into contact with.
  • With the support of managers develop an equality and diversity objective through the personal development review process.

Infection Prevention & Control

All staff have both duty and responsibility to avoid and prevent the spread of infection as a consequence of any actions or activities they are carrying out during the course of their duties.

The post holder must:-

  • Take all reasonable care to minimise the risk to service users, colleagues and members of the public (including themselves), of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Co-operate with the Trust in ensuring that all statutory and mandatory requirements are complied with – in particular, compliance with the Health Act 2006: Code of Practice for the prevention and control of healthcare – associated infections.
  • Be knowledgeable of and compliant with, the Trust’s infection control policies and procedures, which includes attendance at mandatory training.

Health and Safety

  • All employees are responsible for taking reasonable care for their own health, safety and security and assist in maintaining a healthy, safe and secure working environment for everyone. They must not intentionally misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health safety or welfare e.g. misuse of equipment. It is a legal requirement that all employees attend training provided by the employer and report to their manager without delay, any accidents, incidents, defects in equipment, place of work or system of work which might endanger safety, health or security of which he/she becomes aware.
  • The post holder will have responsibility for any staff that they manage or supervise to ensure they are adhering to all the required health, safety and security tasks as set out in their Job descriptions and report any risks to the relevant persons.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

Essential

  • CCAB qualified (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA;)
  • Masters Degree/MBA level of knowledge or equivalent
  • Evidence of post qualification development and training.

Skills and Abilities:

Essential

  • Effective negotiation skills.
  • Staff management experience including staff motivation & development.
  • Effective communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Demonstrable project management skills.
  • Able to contribute to corporate management in a complex organisation.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Computer literate.

Desirable

  • In depth knowledge and understanding of NHS finance.

Experience:

Essential

  • Excellent proven financial management skills.
  • Significant experience in senior management position, with experience of managing large teams/departments in highly complex and changing environments, strategic leadership.
  • Demonstrable experience of managing organisational change.
  • Proven analytical skills.
  • Contribution to development and implementation of complex financial systems.
  • Demonstrable experience of performance management.
  • Highly developed understanding of the requirements of integrated governance systems and principles.

Personal Attributes:

Essential

  • Commitment to public sector values.
  • Strategic and innovative thinker.
  • Team player.
  • Demonstrates commitment to the job.
  • Strong leadership qualities.
  • Able to manage conflicting demands and plan appropriate strategy.
  • Able to think laterally.
  • Act in accordance within the NHS Code of Conduct for Managers.
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