Job description

Job title : Finance Manager

Accountable to : Head of Finance and Governance

Contract : Fixed-term (11 months – maternity cover)

Location : 151 Buckingham Palace Road,

London, SW1W 9SZ

Introduction

The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) is the national independent regulator for organisations that remove, store and use tissue for research, medical treatment, post-mortem examination, teaching and display in public. We also give approval for organ and bone marrow donations from living people. With the interests of the public and those we regulate at the centre of our work, we aim to maintain confidence by ensuring that human tissue is used safely and ethically, with proper consent.

Established under the Human Tissue Act (2004), we are an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (ENDPB) sponsored by the Department of Health.

The Authority’s Chair and members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Health. The Chair and half of the members are lay, with the remainder being professionals drawn from some of the groups who are affected by the legislation. The Authority is supported by an Executive team of 50 staff.

Job purpose

To provide finance and governance services for the Human Tissue Authority. This will include:

·  the timely invoicing of the HTA’s licensees

·  ensuring subsequent payment within the HTA’s credit terms;

·  updating transaction, cash and fixed asset records;

·  preparation of monthly management accounts and bank reconciliations;

·  preparation and posting of approved journals,

·  contributing to the closure of the final accounts

·  undertaking financial analysis to support HTA reports and other initiatives

·  advising colleagues and following procurement practices ensuring proper and efficient use of resources

·  timely processing of supplier invoices and subsequent payment

·  supporting the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee by collating and issuing papers and taking minutes of the meetings

·  deputising for the Head of Finance and Governance where appropriate

The post holder will be expected to create good working relationships and deal with the majority of queries without needing to refer them to the Head of Finance and Governance.

Communication and working relationships

Internal contacts

To work collaboratively with colleagues in the Resources Directorate and other directorates, and the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. In particular, to report to the Head of Finance and Governance on all issues within the scope of the post’s responsibilities.

External contacts

To communicate clearly to the key stakeholders and to work in partnership with the Department of Health, licensed establishments, suppliers, and other Government Agencies.

Key tasks and responsibilities

·  Issue fee invoices to establishments and ensure the HTA receives payment within established credit terms (28 days). Adhere to debt collection Standard Operating Procedure when warranted

·  Code, input and process for payment purchase invoices on a regular basis

·  Update the cash book on a weekly basis

·  Update the fixed asset register on a monthly basis

·  Obtain accruals data from HTA budget managers, review for any discrepancies and once finalised, post them to the nominal ledger

· 

·  Undertake training of HTA budget managers in respect of accruals preparation and other HTA financial procedures as and when necessary

·  Ensuring proper procurement processes are followed and providing advice to others

·  Run monthly management accounts, undertaking an initial review of all budget heads, highlighting major variances and ensuring no mispostings have arisen

·  Circulate management accounts to HTA budget holders and collect and collate commentaries from them for inclusion in monthly finance report for the management board of the HTA

·  Maintain files for all HTA accounting functions for reference / audit trailing

·  Prepare year end accounting schedules for audit by the HTA’s external auditors; provide audit evidence for HTA’s internal auditors as and when required

·  Maintain fees model as and when required

·  Develop good working day to day relationships, responding promptly to queries

·  Assist the Head of Finance and Governance as required including filing, data processing, banking and petty cash

·  Maintain the cashflow model ensuring projections are accurate

·  Plan ahead and obtain Audit and Risk Assurance Committee papers from authors

·  Take and draft minutes of Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

·  Undertake such other work and projects as may be required and agreed from time to time by the Head of Finance and Governance and the Director of Resources

Person specification

Criteria

Education / qualifications
Minimum of *GCSE/GCE “O” level passes at Grades A-C in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
Accountancy qualification (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or part qualification or AAT fully qualified. / Essential
Essential
Experience, skills and training
Accounts processing experience (inputting of financial data, preparation of bank reconciliations, fixed asset registers).
Knowledge of a computerised accounting system.
Solid understanding and application of accounting principals, financial controls and accounting standards.
Knowledge of procurement requirements and experience of applying these
Competent user of spreadsheets in particular financial modelling, Microsoft Office products.
Able to prepare/review management accounts, identifying errors / trends for highlighting to budget holders.
Experience of preparation of financial reports for management.
Planning and organisational ability, able to prioritise and work on own initiative.
Experience in providing in-house financial training for non-finance colleagues. / Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Personal attributes
Excellent communication (including a good telephone manner) and inter-personal skills and confidence to deal with a range of people and personalities both inside and outside the organisation.
Willingness to accept extra responsibilities and work autonomously
An inquiring mind, accuracy and attention to detail, methodical and thorough.
A team player with a flexible and supportive approach to colleagues.
Proactive approach, able to identify and put forward ideas for improvements to systems. / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential

Competencies

Gaining awareness and understanding / Level 3
Creating effective solutions / Level 2
Understanding others / Level 2
Facilitating teamwork / Level 2
Developing people and capability / Level 2
Building relationships / Level 2
Inspiring confidence / Level 2
Compelling communication / Level 3
Achieving results / Level 3
Concern for quality / Level 3