Support Accountant (Financial Management)

Our client, Northern Trust, is seeking a highly motivated Support Accountant to join their Finance Team. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting budget management, financial reporting, and financial planning activities across the organisation, providing valuable financial information and analysis to managers and stakeholders.

Job Title: Support Accountant

Location: Ballymena

Hours: 37.5 per week

Duration: Until November

Key Responsibilities

Budget Setting and Financial Control

• Assist in the development, maintenance, and operation of effective budgetary control systems.
• Prepare and process approved budget adjustments within the financial management system.
• Support the production of financial information and reports for the Department of Health, commissioning bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain financial management reports for budget holders and managers.
• Coordinate financial information flows within the department, ensuring appropriate budget and expenditure adjustments are actioned.
• Assist in identifying available funding to support recruitment and vacancy management.
• Support financial reviews, investigations, and ad hoc projects as required.

Financial Planning and Reporting

• Produce regular monthly financial reports and budget monitoring information within agreed deadlines.
• Provide support to Directorate Support Accountants, including variance analysis and financial investigations.
• Liaise with budget holders to review financial performance and improve understanding of budget positions.
• Ensure monthly and year-end financial management procedures are completed accurately, including reconciliations of budgetary systems.
• Contribute to the development and review of financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Undertake any other duties as required by senior finance management.

Governance and Management Responsibilities

• Support effective governance, risk management, and compliance within areas of responsibility.
• Ensure adherence to Trust financial policies, Standing Financial Instructions, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Promote continuous service improvement and effective resource management.
• Maintain high standards of communication and collaborative working with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Support equality, diversity, data protection, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.
• Contribute to staff development, training, and a positive learning culture where applicable.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• A minimum of 4 years' relevant finance experience; or
• Accounting Technician qualification (ATI/QCF Level 5 or equivalent) with 2 years' relevant finance experience; or
• A degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

Other Requirements

• Hold a current full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes (reasonable adjustments will be considered in line with disability requirements).

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present financial and non-financial data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, identify issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Knowledge of the structure and functions of the Trust.

Assessment Methods

• Application Form: Qualifications, experience, and driving licence requirements.
• Interview/Test: Assessment of skills, abilities, and knowledge.

If you are interested, please upload your CV to the link provided, and Mia Taylor will be in contact to confirm if you have been shortlisted.