Head of Finance - 12 month Maternity Leave Cover

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

Job Title: Head of Finance

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Responsible to: Director of Finance and Resources

Responsible for: Finance PCN Finance Officer and Finance Assistant

Key Relationships: HCL Team, Board of Directors, SLT, Managing Director

Contract Term: 12m FTC Maternity Cover

BACKGROUND

Who We Are

Healthcare Central London Ltd (HCL) is the GP Federation owned by our 32 General Practices covering the Central London (Westminster) area. The organisation supports 4 Primary Care Networks (PCNs). We operate several NHS contracts on behalf of our PCNs including a Community Dermatology Service; Community Cardiology Service and a Secondary Care Referral Service and an out-of-hospitals provision which is sub-contracted to our 32 General Practices.

On behalf of our practices we are the host employers of a large, and rapidly growing team of ARRS (Additional Roles Reimbursement scheme) roles including Clinical Pharmacists; Pharmacy Technicians; First Contact Physiotherapists; Dieticians; Paramedics; Social Prescribers; Care Coordinators, Digital & Transformation Leads, Nursing Associates, GPAs and Care Co-ordinators.

Since our inception as a Community Interest Company (CiC) in 2007 and our transfer to our limited company, Healthcare Central London, in 2023, we have grown year on year and now turnover just over £10 million and employ more than 100 employees at our Head Office on Edgware Road and at our partner practices across Westminster. For 2023/24 HCL will be growing to circa £15m turnover and 150 employees.

HCL is a business with big financial ambitions and plans, and this role will pay a key role in developing our financial processes and capability to support these plans. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources, this role will provide a fantastic opportunity for a qualified finance professional to step into a head of role and gain a breadth of experience and learn from an experienced Finance Director. This role will be pivotal on supporting the growth of the business and have an opportunity to be a key part of developing commercial agreements and investment appraisal for both NHS and Private sector contracts.

How We Work

Our vision is to be recognised as a leading GP provider network, run by clinicians for the benefit of our local population and practices. We will achieve this by working with patients and partners to ensure that general practice remains sustainable and independent. We aim to further diversify our income by exploring commercial joint ventures and expanding our research team in the coming years.

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel included, valued and supported in work this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. HCL is committed to actively supporting diversity and inclusion and ensuring that all our employees are valued, treated with dignity and respect and enabled and supported to reach their potential.

Our employees work flexibly according to the needs of our customers, typically onsite at our practices or hub sites or at our offices near Marylebone/Edgware Road. Our office-based roles are typically worked as hybrid roles the pattern of which are agreed and reviewed according to service/team requirements.

ROLE PURPOSE

This 12m maternity leave cover role, supporting the Director of Finance and Resource to deliver accurate and timely accounts, costings and saving initiatives to drive profitability, revenue growth and manage cash flow, the Head of Finance will manage the finance team of two, leading on best practice, development and finance process improvement ensuring that timely financial results and reporting are delivered for the group. Responsibilities include managing the full month end process, overseeing payroll, reporting, balance sheet reconciliation, weekly payments, accounts receivable and deputising for the Director of Finance and Resources.

This role will also work as a business partner to our Service Managers, providing commercial and intuitive financial advice and support, enabling/equipping to manage contract income accurately and achieve budgets. Supporting on financial modelling for new services, budgeting and forecasting and providing detailed analysis on projects will also be essential elements of the role.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Possess strong generalist financial skills with a broad understanding of finance functions.
2. Ability to adapt and contribute to various financial aspects within the organisation.
3. Collaborate with key stakeholders to provide financial insights and support decision-making.
4. Work closely with department heads to ensure financial alignment with organisational goals.
5. Lead financial planning and analysis activities, including budgeting and forecasting.
6. Provide strategic insights to support long-term financial planning.
7. Monitor budget variances and recommend corrective actions as needed.
8. Identify and implement improvements to financial processes for increased efficiency and accuracy.
9. Streamline financial workflows to enhance overall financial management.
10. Oversee project finances, ensuring cost control and adherence to budget constraints.
11. Provide financial guidance on project viability and financial risk assessment.
12. Analyse and interpret financial data to facilitate informed decision-making.
13. Develop meaningful financial reports and dashboards for executive review.
14. Assist service managers in understanding and managing their departmental budgets.
15. Provide financial support and guidance to ensure effective resource allocation.
16. Oversee and manage the month-end closing process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
17. Review financial statements and reports for completeness and compliance.
18. Act as a trusted advisor, influencing executive decisions with sound financial guidance.
19. Provide strategic input to support the achievement of organisational objectives.
20. Manage external audit processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy of financial records.
21. Address audit queries and implement recommendations for continuous improvement.
22. Oversee the payroll process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations and HMRC.
23. Collaborate with payroll provider to resolve any issues and improve payroll efficiency.
24. Provide effective line management for the finance team, fostering a positive working environment.
25. Support staff development through training, mentoring, and performance management.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree and a professional finance qualification (ACCA, CIMA).
2. Proven experience in a senior finance role, preferably within the healthcare sector.
3. Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
4. Advanced proficiency in financial modelling and data analysis tools.
5. Experience leading external audits and payroll processes, ideally with some previous experience of identifying and implementing new payroll systems/providers.

If you are a strategic finance leader with a passion for healthcare and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join our team and contribute to the financial success of our organisation in providing innovative primary care services in Central London.

Benefits

• Cycle to work scheme
• Discretionary pay progression and bonus scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement (30 days full-time, pro-rata for part-time)
• Eye care voucher scheme through partnership with Specsavers
• Free tea/coffee etc.
• Life Assurance scheme
• Modern clinic at South Westminster Centre
• Modern office
• NHS Pension
• Refer & Earn scheme
• We Care Wellbeing through Canada Life including 24/7 GP access for employee and immediate family, Toothfairy Dentist on Demand, myStrength personal wellbeing support and CBT Therapy