Job Title: Qualified Accountant (Financial Performance)

Location: Belfast
Type: Full-Time, Temporary (approx. 4 months)
Salary: £23.60 per hour (Band 7)

About the Role

Apple Recruitment are delighted to be recruiting for a Qualified Accountant to join the Financial Performance team within a major public-sector organisation. This role plays a key part in analysing large datasets, benchmarking costs, supporting strategic financial planning, and ensuring effective performance management across the organisation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong data analysis experience.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Performance & Benchmarking

• Assist in delivering the financial performance management functions of the organisation.

• Provide information to support performance management and develop benchmarks across Health and Social Care.

• Ensure effective delivery of projects to agreed timescales, quality standards and benefits realisation.

• Contribute to financial performance discussions, providing challenge to support delivery of the planned financial position.

Financial Planning & Commissioning Support

• Assist in producing the financial planning framework for each planning cycle.

• Maintain an overview of financial commissioning plans, ensuring links to capacity, workforce, and other policy areas.

• Challenge commissioning plans and business cases where benchmarked positions are out of line, preparing briefings for senior staff.

• Provide specialist financial advice on business cases developed by or submitted to the organisation.

• Brief senior finance staff on key financial assumptions, risks and management actions.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse, interpret, and evaluate complex financial information to support service development.

• Assist in producing robust financial plans that achieve financial balance.

• Provide monthly risk-assessed updates on planned commissioning resources.

• Contribute to monthly financial monitoring returns for the Department of Health.

• Produce detailed monthly and specialist financial reports for senior stakeholders.

• Contribute to statutory Annual Accounts and liaise with internal/external auditors.

Systems, Data & Information Management

• Assist in designing, introducing, and managing complex financial information systems.

• Generate and analyse data to create reports that inform effective practice.

• Support the provision and operation of financial systems required for efficient financial management.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Communicate complex financial information clearly to managers and partners.

• Support negotiations to ensure optimum investment decisions.

• Deputise for the Senior/Head Accountant on NI-wide financial working groups.

People Management & Professional Development

• Delegate tasks appropriately while retaining accountability.

• Promote organisational values, diversity standards and governance.

• Participate in performance reviews and support the development of direct reports.

• Maintain positive staff relationships and team morale.

Essential Criteria:

• Full membership of a CCAB-recognised professional accounting body or CIMA.

• 3 years’ experience in a Finance Department, including 2 years’ supervisory or staff management experience.

• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional development.

• Full current UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (reasonable adjustments apply).

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders.

• Ability to analyse highly complex/sensitive financial data and present findings clearly.

• Extensive working knowledge of ICT financial systems and advanced Microsoft Excel.

• Ability to review and challenge work processes to ensure best outcomes for Health and Social Care.

• Ability to use initiative within broad professional guidelines.

How to Apply:
If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft Word format to Caroline at caroline.parker@applerecruitment.com 

Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date, including full employment history, academic achievements, and contact details. Only applicants meeting the essential criteria will be considered.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.