Finance Officer (Band 5)

Location: Northern Ireland
Salary: Band 5 NHS Agenda for Change Scale
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and analytical Finance Officer to join our Finance Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to develop their career within a dynamic organisation and play a key role in supporting financial management across the Trust.

Working closely with senior managers and budget holders, you will provide high-quality financial information, analysis, and support to ensure effective financial planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with senior Trust staff to support their understanding of budgets and respond to finance-related queries.
• Assist with the annual budget-setting process, ensuring budgets align with the Trust’s financial strategy and income profile.
• Support the Band 7 Finance Officer in developing cash releasing efficiency plans, recovery plans, and contingency plans.
• Assist the Finance Manager in identifying and highlighting financial risks and recommending corrective actions to help achieve financial balance.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of financial systems, reporting tools, and working practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of management information.
• Produce ad hoc financial reports and analyses as requested by Senior Finance Managers and other Trust stakeholders.
• Monitor financial performance and investigate variances against budgets.
• Provide accurate and timely financial advice to managers and budget holders.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification and experience requirements:

• A University Degree and at least 2 years’ suitable relevant financial experience; OR
• An AAT qualification or HND and at least 2 years’ suitable relevant financial experience; OR
• Part-qualified with a CCAB recognised professional accounting body and at least 1 year’s suitable relevant financial experience; OR
• At least 3 years’ suitable relevant financial experience at Band 4 level.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to manipulate large volumes of data, utilise a range of functions, and provide meaningful analysis.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, including accruals, prepayments, and other core financial processes.
• Experience of management accounting and investigating financial variances (desirable).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.