Case studies
NEL CSU
Role
Financial Accountant - Interim
Client profile
Supporting commissioning groups responsible for a total population of over 16 million, NEL CSU handles nearly 10% of the total NHS budget managing contracts worth over £10bn
Assignment
Robertson Bell have successfully provided interim staff to NEL CSU in the past, assisting the CSU fill key interim gaps across all areas of finance. For the year end period for 2019/20 the CSU found themselves requiring further financial accounting expertise at short notice. The CSU supports a number of external customers with financial accounting services so an experienced, capable Financial Accountant was sought that could hit the ground running and maintain a high level of delivery for their customers:
After failing to attract a suitable shortlist from their direct approach NEL CSU approached Robertson Bell’s NHS team to enquire as to which interim professionals would fit this specific profile at short notice and come fully recommended from previous successful assignments.
Key considerations and challenges
- Which highly recommended contractors may be available at a time of peak demand for financial accountants.
- Recruiting to a strict budget (NHS Caps) and within tight timeframes.
- Specific requirement of prior and recent NHS accounting experience
Solution
Through proactive searching for suitable profiles on our extensive internal database and access to high value external databases, complimented by our ability to place targeted adverts in suitable social channels and specialist job boards, we were able to draw up a strong shortlist of 4 interim professionals who had the necessary experience to meet the role requirements.
Outcome
After arranging interviews to fit in with the panels short time availability a preferred candidate was identified and successfully secured with Robertson Bells support team able to expediate the compliance process to ensure a quick turn around and a start in the role 3 days after the interviews. The whole recruitment process was able to be completed in 7 days from project brief to the contractor starting in the post to fit in with the demanding timescales and challenges of producing a large and complex set of annual accounts.