About this role
Job summary
Cornerstone Practice and Healthcare is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our financial operations across four sites in Blackburn and Oswaldtwistle.
Founded in 1988, Cornerstone now cares for 27,000 patients. We're a Christian Surgery that exists to service our community - especially the vulnerable and marginalised - while delivering excellent healthcare.
As Finance Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day finances of the Practice, our Community Interest Company and our charity - from payroll and NHS income to budgeting and reporting to our Partners. It's a varied, hands-on role, working closely with a friendly supportive management team who genuinely value what you bring. We're looking for someone with solid accounting and payroll experience, a good head for detail, and the confidence to manage a busy, varied workload independently. NHS or GP finance is a bonus.
If you want a role with purpose, variety, and a team who'll have your back, we'd love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
In this role, you'll be the person our Partners and Practice Manager turn to for a clear picture of where we stand financially, and the confidence that everything is running smoothly behind the scenes.
Day to day, you'll manage our accounts and bank reconciliations, keep on top of the NHS income due to us, and run payroll and pensions accurately and on time- including handling sensitive pay queries with care. You'll prepare regular financial reports for our Partners, support annual budgeting, and work with our external accountant on year-end accounts.
You'll also play a part in the bigger picture: reviewing insurance cover, keeping us compliant with NHS and HMRC requirements.
It's a role with real variety and real responsibility-ideal for someone who enjoys owning their patch, solving problems, and being trusted to get on with it.
About us
Cornerstone Practice and Healthcare has grown from a single surgery into four close-knit sites across Blackburn and Oswaldtwistle, each with is own character and community. You'll be part of a wider team of GPs, nurses, care navigators, site managers and admin colleagues - all working towards one goal: excellent, whole-person care for our patients.
You'll work closely with our Partners, Practice Manager and wider management team, playing a key role in the day-to-day running of the practice. You'll benefit from the NHS pension scheme, agenda for change terms and conditions. Above all, you'll be joining an surgery with a genuine heart - where your work is valued, and where doing a good jobs means something bigger than the numbers.
Job description Job responsibilities
As Finance Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the Practice, CIC and Charity, working closely with the Practice Manager, Partners to safeguard the financial stability of the organisation.
Main Areas of Responsibility
1. Practice, CIC and Charity Accounts Maintaining accurate day-to-day financial records, processing payments, reconciling bank accounts, preparing monthly management accounts and cash flow reports, supporting the annual budget, and working with the external accountant on year-end accounts for the Practice, CIC and Charity.
2. Payroll, Pensions and Statutory Payments
Running monthly payroll accurately and on time for all staff.Processing joiners and leavers (new starter setup, P45) and prepare monthly overtime and variable-pay calculations.Managing NHS Pension scheme returns and year-end submission, and acting as the main point of escalation for payroll and pension queries.3. Governance, Compliance and Risk
Ensuring financial processes comply with NHS, HMRC and other regulatory requirementsKeeping up to date with relevant NHS financial guidance and payroll/HMRC legislative changes.4. Systems and Administration
Maintaining accurate records on the practice's accounting systemsSupporting the Practice Manager with financial analysis and reporting as neededThis is a varied, hands-on role at the centre of how the organisation runs financially. Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for the full list of duties and the skills and experience we're looking for.
Person Specification
Values and Attitudes Essential
High level of integrity, discretion and sound judgement Self-motivated, confident, and a good team player Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and legislation (e.g. payroll/statutory rules changes) Ability to work autonomously and use initiative, escalating appropriately Able to act consistently with the Christian ethos of the Practice
Desirable
Ability to influence and negotiate with external agencies
Qualifications Essential
AAT qualified (Level 4) or equivalent, or qualified by demonstrable relevant experience 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/Grade C and above)
Desirable
CCAB-qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or working towards Educated to degree standard
Other Requirements Essential
DBS Check Right to work in the UK
Desirable
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel between sites
Experience Essential
At least 3 years' experience in financial or management accounting Hands-on experience running pay-roll end-to-end, including statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP), Joiners/leavers (P45), and year-end returns (P60s) Experience of bank reconciliation and cash/pretty cash handling and controls
Desirable
Finance experience specifically within a GP practice, PCN or NHD primary care setting Line management or supervisory experience
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Good technical accounting knowledge, including management accounts, budgeting and reconciliations Advanced knowledge and highly skilled in use of Microsoft Excel Experience using IRIS payroll software (including OpenEnrol and OpenPayslips) and general accounting software (e.g. Sage, Xero) Ability to prioritise own workload and that of others to meet tight deadlines Good written and verbal communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-specialists Awareness of data protection/UK GDPR requirements as they apply to financial, payroll and HR data
Desirable
Working knowledge of the NHS Pension Scheme, including monthly returns, Type 1/Type 2 certificates and pensionable pay estimates for partners Understanding of GP practice income streams - GMS/APMS payments, QOF/CQRS, enhanced/locally commissioned services, ARRS (PCN) claims Understanding of relevant NHS/VAT rules for general practice Experience using IRIS payroll software (OpenPayslips) and general accounting software (e.g. Sage, Xero)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Cornerstone
Address The Cornerstone Practice and Healthcare
Shadsworth Surgery
Shadsworth Road
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 2HR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cornerstonepractice.com/ (Opens in a new tab)