HFMA resources to support finance teams with the 2023/24 year-end
All of the HFMA's resources related to the 2023/24 annual report and accounts
'The preparation and audit of the annual report and accounts is always a stressful time. Guidance changes, auditors' focus changes and the deadlines are tight. The HFMA's year-end outputs are designed to help you through the process.'
Emma Knowles, HFMA director of policy and communications
Navigating our resources for 2023/24
This page is your 'one-stop shop' for all of the HFMA resources related to the 2023/24 annual report and accounts.
We will update it regularly as new resources are published. Alongside technical briefings and best-practice guidance, you can also find a range of supplementary publications, wellbeing resources, a list of key dates and deadlines, and information to help explain what the year-end process is and why it is important to colleagues who are required to support with certain aspects and may have questions.
These resources are not a replacement for the accounting standards and official guidance from the DHSC and NHS England, but are intended to help you to:
- think through the implications
- ensure that you have identified key changes or issues for the year
- communicate with audit committees and non-finance colleagues.
Key dates for your diary
Below is a list of the must-know dates and deadlines for the year-end process. To access the full NHS accounts timetable 2023/24, published by NHS England, click on the link below.
Date | Milestone |
| Sunday 31 March (Easter Sunday) | End of the financial year |
| Wednesday 24 April | 9am: ICB deadline deadline to for submission of draft accounts to NHS England and to auditors |
| midday: provider organisation deadline to for submission of draft accounts to NHS England and to auditors | |
| Wednesday 8 May | 9am: ICB deadline for submission of final agreement of balances to NHS England |
| midday: provider organisation deadline for submission of final agreement of balances to NHS England | |
| Friday 28 June | 9am: ICB deadline for submission of final annual report and accounts with audit certificates to NHS England |
| midday: provider organisation deadline for submission of final annual report and accounts with audit certificates to NHS England |
HFMAtalk podcast episode: Navigating the financial year-end
In this episode, Debbie Paterson, senior technical manager, and Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager, outline what issues finance teams need to consider regarding the preparation and audit of the annual report and accounts and highlight the different HFMA resources available to support finance colleagues through the process.
What has been published?
A list of the HFMA's core technical resources that have already been published to support finance staff with the 2023/24 annual report and accounts.
This short paper is intended to support audit committee members to easily understand the range of external audit reports and additional powers.
This paper is intended to update HFMA members on developments in financial reporting that may affect them as finance professionals working in the NHS.
Based on conversations with auditors and preparers, this briefing gives some hints and tips on preparing a well-tailored annual report and accounts.
This briefing provides members with key year-end reminders for the 2023/24 annual report and accounts.
This briefing set out for members what the head of internal audit opinion is and why it is important, along with key requirements and considerations.
This paper covers: what a good year-end working paper looks like; good practice arrangements; and some key issues to consider for 2023/24.
This paper sets out the remuneration report requirements, along with references to additional guidance and issues for NHS bodies to consider.
An explanation for those not involved in producing the annual report and accounts why they should take action when asked for information for it.
This paper provides NHS non-executive directors with key reminders as they review their 2023/24 annual report and accounts.
This briefing summarises the current audit context and shares top tips to plan for an audit that runs as smoothly as possible.
The briefing sets out the NHS environmental sustainability commitments and reporting requirements across the United Kingdom.
Charities trustees should assess whether their charity is a going concern. This briefing provides practical guidance on making this assessment.
The example has been updated to reflect the changing financial landscape, to flag future changes to guidance, and minor changes.
Supplementary resources
A selection of additional resources that have not been produced specifically for the 2023/24 annual report and accounts, but which may be of interest and use.
The HFMA is broadly supportive of the proposals but members are very concerned about the impact on their bottom line and capital allocations.
The Department of Health and Social Care is consulting on the Group accounting manual (GAM) for 2024/25.
In July and August 2023, the HFMA surveyed its members about the year-end process to see whether there were any lessons that could be learned.
The HFMA’s NHS audit committee handbook is a comprehensive guide covering aspects such as the purpose, arrangements, roles and supporting checklists.
Get involved on social media
At this stressful time of year, we are recognising and rewarding the amazing work of the #yearendcommunity. Whether it be photos of your team hard at work, stories of colleagues who have gone above and beyond, or tips for how to ensure the process runs as smoothly, send it to us or post it on social media with the hashtag #yearendcommunity and be in with a chance to win some HFMA goodies and treats for the team!
Looking after yourself throughout the year-end process
This is a stressful time for finance teams. It is important that individuals remember to look after themselves, and each other. Throughout recent years the HFMA and One NHS Finance have produced a range of materials to help finance colleagues deal with stress and to support each other's wellbeing.
Type of resource | Title |
| HFMA bitesize online course | Self-management, confidence and resilience |
| On-demand HFMA webinars | Looking after your wellbeing and resilience: update from Mind |
| Self-management, confidence and resilience | |
| One NHS Finance staff network | Health and wellbeing champions |
| One NHS Finance resource packs | Considerate colleague |
| Supporting our staff | |
| Winter wellbeing tips |
Events
This conference provided those responsible for financial reporting the opportunity to start to plan for the financial year-end.
This online event offers indispensable practical insights and serves as a valuable platform for audit committee chairs and members to engage