Lead Costing Accountant: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Responsible for ensuring the objectives and targets of the Trust costing team are defined and met in both the short and medium term alongside the Associate Director of Finance.

Responsible for management and work of the costing team on a day to day basis to ensure national and local deadlines are met.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as part of the finance team ensuring

• the accurate and timely completion of the National Cost Collection in line with national requirements.
• development of the costing function in line with national ambitions
• production and dissemination of service line reports
• engagement of clinical and operational staff in the use of information from the National Cost Collection.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• CCAB, CIMA or overseas equivalent qualification (full member of a Professional Accounting Institute), or demonstrable and evidenced experience of successfully performing a substantially similar role.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development

Desirable

• Managerial/Leadership qualification

Experience

Essential

• oExtensive experience of interpreting and applying complex finance standards and guidance
• oDemonstrable extensive experience of developing and implementing systems and processes to deliver the requirements of national standards and guidance
• oFinancial analysis
• oWorking effectively in a team and on own initiative
• oPreparing detailed written reports.
• oDeveloping and delivering formal, complex financial presentations to large groups of non finance managers conveying concepts clearly and persuasively
• oExperience of designing and implementing processes and process improvements
• oWorking with and advising senior members of staff.
• oExperience of year end processes.
• oWorking effectively and constructively with a range of staff disciplines.
• oStaff management

Desirable

• Experience of working in finance in the NHS or similar sized complex organisations with responsibility for substantial finance functions.
• Experience of Department of Health Reference Cost and Education and Training return processes
• Project Management

Knowledge

Essential

• oContinuing professional development with portfolio
• oExpert specialist knowledge of service and activity costing principles and methodologies oKnowledge of national
• oKnowledge of national benchmarking initiatives (eg Carter Reivew, Model Hospital)
• oKnowledge of general ledger and budgetary systems
• oUnderstanding of internal financial control systems
• oAdvanced IT and spreadsheet skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of relevant NHS costing requirements, standards and guidance
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies.

Skills & Aptitudes

Essential

• oHigh degree of accuracy and analytical skills.
• oSelf motivated, proactive and flexible.
• oSelf motivated, proactive and flexible.
• oAbility to analyse and interpret complex data (both quantitative and qualitative)
• oWork as a team member
• oUse initiative appropriately
• oPrioritise self and workload to meet deadlines.
• oDeal with departmental staff, other staff, managers and patients with tact and diplomacy
• oManage conflicting demands from within and outside the finance department
• oAnalyse, manipulate and present highly complex information using a range of analytical and IT skills.
• oManage conflict or contentious situations
• oConcentrate for long periods of time on data input and complex analytical tasks.
• oMake judgements on financial decisions and financial risk where there is no precedent
• oInterpret and apply complex finance standards and guidance
• oFrequently switch between tasks as priorities and deadlines change.

Desirable

• Project Management

Other Requirements

Essential

• Flexible approach to working hours when there are heavy workloads
• Must be able to travel independently of public transport to enable attendance at meetings throughout Cumbria and occasionally out of area.
• Act in ways that support equality and value diversity

Desirable

• Driving license

Closing Date: 29 September 2026