Senior Management Accountant

Job SummaryThe primary purpose of the Senior Management Accountant is to provide management and financial information and support to their assigned Directorates. The role ensures that financial requirements are understood and delivered by the team.The Senior Management Accountant is responsible for delivery of all aspects of operational financial management within a Directorate area. This includes advice, information, analysis and interpretation to Directors and budget holders to underpin effective decision making and meaningful performance management.Main DutiesEnsuring the effective provision of a comprehensive management accounting service.Preparing annual budgets and quarterly forecasts, including supporting scenarios and commentary.Coordinating and producing accurate and timely in‑month forecasting.Investigating and challenging variances against budget and forecast, providing analysis and commentary where appropriate.Undertaking regular meetings with budget holders (without supervision) to review accounts and support their understanding of the financial position.About UsThe South East London Finance Academy is committed to fostering professional development and career growth for all, with a particular aim of enhancing opportunities for under‑represented groups and improving the diversity of our finance community.DetailsDate posted: 01 December 2025Pay scheme: Agenda for changeBand: Band 7Salary: £53,751 to £60,651 a year inclusive of HCASContract: PermanentWorking pattern: Full‑timeReference number: 334‑NCL‑7636292‑MUJob locations: Jeanette Wallace House, 1 Edridge Road, Croydon, CR0 1FEKey Responsibilities1) Finance & Business PlanningProduce summary financial plans for services, ensuring they reflect strategic objectives.Identify financial risks and produce a downside financial plan; help identify mitigations.Lead the annual and periodic detailed budget setting processes in conjunction with budget holders and senior management, ensuring realistic and fully understood targets.Provide financial input into preparation of Directorate or Trust wide business cases.2) ReportingProduce accurate and timely monthly finance reports, highlighting key issues and meeting deadlines.Monitor budget performance and analyse key variances, proposing remedial action as required.Produce accurate financial forecasts, highlighting potential opportunities and risks.Assist/complete financial returns and questionnaires as required.3) Productivity & EfficiencyAssist the Directorate with planning and reporting of the Cost Improvement Programme (CIP).Develop cost awareness, identifying and quantifying key cost drivers and modelling implications of activity changes.4) EngagementPromote a modern and collaborative approach to engaging clinicians in financial management.Work positively and professionally with other Finance Department members to ensure financial requirements are understood and delivered.Work with the whole finance team to deliver standardisation of all process areas.5) OtherAct as a representative for the Finance Directorate, upholding professional reputation.Perform ad‑hoc duties as required, supporting Finance Business Partners or Deputy Director of Finance.Personal SpecificationEssential RequirementsCCAB finalist or equivalent experience.Minimum of 3 years experience working in a large organisation providing management accounts support.In an NHS setting.Able to analyse, compare and interpret highly complex financial and performance data using skills, knowledge and judgement.Proficient in Microsoft Office packages, including Excel, and able to manipulate and interrogate large databases/datasets.Able to assess workload and manage resources to meet overlapping targets and objectives.Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to express complex issues clearly, including influencing, persuading and negotiating at senior management level.Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.Experience of investigation and analysis into financial issues, including evidence of detailed and precise report writing skills.Able to work autonomously and make complex decisions independently.Desirable RequirementsCCAB qualified.Understanding of the key operational and financial challenges facing the NHS, particularly Mental Health NHS Trusts.3 years management accountant experience in an NHS setting.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website (https://www.slam.nhs.uk/). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Employer DetailsEmployer name: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustAddress: Jeanette Wallace House, 1 Edridge Road, Croydon, CR0 1FEWebsite: https://www.slam.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr