Management Accountant (COS Available) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £42,939 to £50,697 per annum (inclusive of HCAS)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): Available
Closing Date: 20 May 2025

Job Summary

The Management Accountant at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) plays a vital role in ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting to budget holders and senior management. By delivering financial information in a clear and accessible way, the accountant helps non-finance managers meet their performance targets effectively. This role requires minimal supervision, reporting to the Finance Business Partner, and actively collaborating with multiple departments to support sound financial decision-making. The position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment within one of the largest NHS mental health trusts in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting and Budget Management

Support the Finance Business Partner in providing comprehensive management accounting services.
Work closely with the Financial Services Team to prepare monthly trust accounts, adhering to the requirements set out by the Associate Directors of Financial Services and Operational Finance.
Produce accurate and timely budgetary control reports for senior management and budget holders within the agreed timeframe.
Create and present directorate performance packs, detailing financial data and performance insights to assist management in strategic decision-making.
Regularly meet with budget holders to review accounts, answer queries, and ensure they understand the financial status of their departments.

2. Financial Analysis and Variance Reporting

Investigate and analyze variances from budgeted figures, providing explanations and solutions to budget holders and senior managers.
Support in costing and pricing for the Trust’s activities, contributing to accurate financial assessments and strategy.
Review financial transactions to ensure they are processed and recorded correctly, maintaining accuracy in all financial dealings.
Produce year-end forecasts, ensuring financial projections are realistic and aligned with operational goals.

3. Stakeholder Management and Communication

Liaise with both internal departments and external agencies to gather and share necessary financial information.
Manage stakeholder expectations, ensuring alignment and understanding across various teams with different priorities.
Assist managers in developing business plans, ensuring financial aspects are appropriately integrated into their strategies.
Facilitate the implementation of Service Line Reporting, ensuring clear visibility of financial performance across departments.

4. Financial Oversight and Compliance

Ensure that work structure information (ESR) is reconciled with budgets, ensuring accuracy in recruitment and finance data.
Maintain comprehensive records for audit purposes, supporting compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.
Ensure the budget is regularly updated in accordance with budget rules and Standing Financial Instructions throughout the year.
Support other ad-hoc financial exercises as required by the Trust.

5. Operational Excellence

Take responsibility for handling complex financial workloads with minimal supervision, ensuring high levels of efficiency.
Support the Trust’s financial operations, contributing to both routine processes and special financial projects.
Assist in the preparation of monitoring returns to external bodies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential: AAT qualified or management-level qualification (50% completed) for CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, or ACA.
Essential: European Computer Driving License (ECDL) or equivalent experience.

Knowledge

Essential: Strong understanding of finance and accounting procedures, with a basic understanding of their application within the NHS.

Experience

Essential: Significant experience in relevant finance roles within the healthcare sector.
Essential: Experience working with complex financial management systems and meeting tight deadlines.
Desirable: Experience in NHS costing and pricing activities and in presenting financial information to senior management.

Skills

Essential: Strong supervisory skills and leadership potential, including training and mentoring junior staff.
Essential: Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide audience.
Essential: Professional, self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Benefits

Competitive Salary: £42,939 to £50,697 per annum, with additional benefits.
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): Available for eligible international applicants.
Professional Development: Opportunities for further professional qualifications and development within the NHS.
Work Flexibility: Currently offering full-time work from home, with potential hybrid options post-pandemic.
Employee Health and Well-being: Access to comprehensive health services and support through the NHS.

About South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) is the largest provider of NHS mental health services in the UK. We offer a broad range of mental health and substance misuse services, treating individuals with complex needs across various settings. SLaM is uniquely partnered with King’s College London and part of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. Our work focuses on three core areas: care and treatment, science and research, and training. By working at SLaM, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking mental health research and service delivery, improving lives in South London and beyond.

Application Process

To apply for the Management Accountant position at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, please submit your application via the NHS Jobs portal. Ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in line with the responsibilities and qualifications detailed above. We are accepting applications until 20 May 2025.

For further inquiries or assistance with the application process, feel free to contact the HR department at SLaM HR.

How to Apply

Visit the NHS Jobs website
Submit your CV and cover letter, ensuring your qualifications and experience are clearly articulated.
Complete any additional application forms required as per the job listing.
Track your application status via the NHS Jobs portal after submission.

Apply Here

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, which means a Disclosure and Barring Service Check will be necessary for candidates applying for this position.

For applicants who require a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) to work in the UK, applications will be considered alongside all other candidates. For more information on the sponsorship process, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Why Choose South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust?

As one of the most innovative and diverse NHS employers, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust offers an outstanding opportunity for growth and development in the field of mental health. We are committed to providing excellent care to our patients while also supporting our staff’s professional development.

Join us in our mission to provide the highest quality mental health services and be part of an organization that values research, teaching, and providing exceptional care to patients.

Conclusion

The Management Accountant role at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust offers a unique opportunity to work in a leading NHS mental health organization, with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge work while developing your professional skills. The position is ideal for a dedicated finance professional looking to further their career in the healthcare sector. If you are interested in making a meaningful impact on healthcare finance, we encourage you to apply before the closing date on 20 May 2025.