NHS Management Accountant: Pay scales

Makkusu

Hi all,

I work as an accountant in a top 100 practice and recently taken a job offer to move into the public sector as a management accountant in the NHS, at band 5.

As the promotions in practice are fairly substantial (e.g. salary can double within 1 year), I'm slightly apprehensive as to my progression within the NHS. Can anyone comment on NHS finance departments and how possible it is to 'progress the ranks'?

I'm quite scared of the prospect of the incremental salary increases - 8 points per band? It would take 8 years in the NHS to receive what could be achieved in 2 years in practice... At least in my current employment.

I'm certain I want to migrate into this field because it seems a lot more rewarding, the data has more emotive value (if that makes sense?). I have a feeling I can thrive here.

Would love to hear from other NHS staff - especially in finance if any are around? - I understand the NHS have had a tough time of recent so not all opinions are going to be great but a general idea of how people make Bands 7-9 would be of great interest to me!

EDIT: If it helps, this will be a finance department of the regional hospital, budgeted income at around £210m, £46m of which is attributable to my department/category of accounts.

Can I ever branch off into other companies with this experience if progression is too slow?

pmd123

Progression in the NHS is quite slow, you have no hope of doubling your salary in 1 or 2 years unless you are exceptional. If I am right in assuming you are on the bottom of a band 5, then doubling your salary would be the middle of an 8a, maybe possible in 5 years if you get a good reputation, come up with some innovative ideas and have your qualifications (CIMA / ACCA) in place.

Where I work, band 5 is the lowest grade for finance, and the step to a band 6 would be quite straightforward, 6 to a 7 a little more difficult, and beyond that level would be into a more senior management position so the right skills and aptitude for management would be required.

It's not impossible, others have done it, but realistically I'd suggest 5 - 10 years to get up to a band 8, and as for band 9, I couldn't comment as so few people make it to that level.

kitrat

Not in finance but in a NHS lab. From my experiencing if you want to progress e.g. from band 5 to 6 or beyond, you have to wait for a job opening and apply to it, interview etc. and get the job. In my field there is simply no option of being 'promoted' (although a job could be created for you to apply for) I don't know if this is possible elsewhere in the NHS? Yes progression is slow, I feel your concerns every day I'm afraid! However you need to factor in how much a good pension, good holiday, good sickness policy, good job security, good flexibility and consideration of your personal circumstances/problems all means to you? Because that is all great for me, couldn't ask for better really and that has to be worth something that money simply can't buy.

shortcrust

In my experience, jobs have bands, not people. The NHS isn't the sort of organisation that will notice your great talent and fast track your progression. I'm a clinician and the only way I can go up a grade is by applying for a higher band post. There are restrictions on that though, so most internal posts say you have to have been working as a band x for x number of years.

If you want to be reasonably comfortable and secure, then the NHS might be good for you. If you've got your sights set on band 9 money, then I'd go elsewhere.

ohreally

You wouldn't progress as such, you would remain within the band for your job profile match. If you want progression you would seek a post with a higher band.

pmd123

It is possible to progress, it depends a lot on the role, the organisation and the management.

I've worked at a mental health trust where progression was non-existent, and now work within commissioning, where my abilities were encouraged and have been asked to apply for posts which have progressed my career significantly.

In the 8 years I've worked in the NHS I've only made the conscious decision to change posts twice, once from provider to commissioner, and one internal transfer within the same band (due to a change in personal circumstances) but have moved up 6 pay bands in that time, so it can be done.