Finance Lead @ Brookside Group Practice

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Fiance Lead to join our dynamic and forward-thinking team at Brookside Group Practice working 24 hours a week.

Hybrid working is available for this position.

Must be able to work a Wednesday in the office due to meetings.

Main duties of the job

The Finance Lead is responsible for the effective day-to-day coordination and delivery of the Practice and Primary Care Network (PCN) finance function. The post holder will maintain accurate financial records, oversee core finance processes, monitor income and expenditure, support budgeting and forecasting, and provide timely financial information to senior managers, the Finance Portfolio Partner and the wider partnership.

The Finance Lead will maintain strong financial controls and ensure deadlines are met. It also includes oversight of key practice contracts and renewals, including utilities, insurance and other business services, with responsibility for obtaining meter readings, monitoring usage and securing best value while maintaining appropriate service, cover and contractual assurance.

Please see the attached job description for a full list of primary duties and area of responsibility.

About us

The Practice serves approximately 31,000 patients from our 4 surgeries in Earley, Lower Earley, Winnersh and Wilderness Road.

Due to our size, we value communication and teamwork. We operate a strongly relational team structure and endeavour to listen well, encourage ownership and involvement and enable staff to grow in their individual development. We, therefore, spend a lot of time investing in team meetings and communication across the organisation. We are a member of Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group.

We recently won the HSJ (Health Services Journal) Digital Award for our innovative work we've done to refine our triage processes and model of care.

Other key aspects of the Practice include:

Use of Anima to aid triage/consultation

Strong IT and systems including Emis Web, Accu-Rx, DXS, ANIMA Documents

Longstanding Training Practice with GP Registrars, Physician Assistants trainees and others

Opportunities for clinical leadership and development

Specialist gynaecological, dermatology and physio services on site

Our own Primary Care Network, serving 31,000 patients

High Achieving QOF and highly successful PCN

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and complete financial records using the practice accounting system (Xero) and ensure data quality through regular checks.
• Work with the Business manager to produce monthly, quarterly and annual forecasts and identify material variances, emerging pressures and financial risks.
• Liaise with the practice accountants and coordinate accurate, well-organised information for year-end accounts, audit queries and accounts sign-off.
• Monitor and reconcile NHS contractual income, including QOF, DES, enhanced services, public health services, vaccinations, reimbursements and other relevant income streams.
• Oversee the monthly payroll process, payroll reports, payslips and required HMRC and pension submissions, working with the relevant internal or external payroll arrangements.
• Keep up to date with changes to NHP pensions/NHS Statement of Financial Entitlement and other financial guidance relevant to the organisation. Appropriately flag any update or training needed.
• Maintain the finance system and support appropriate access controls, data quality and periodic backup arrangements in line with practice requirements.

Please see the attached job description for a full list of the primary duties and areas of responsibility.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent numerical skills with a high level of financial accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, confidentiality and accountability.
• Ability to analyse financial information, identify variances and explain findings clearly.
• Ability to prioritise competing deadlines and work independently at pace.
• Strong communication, negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Confident use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and accounting software.
• Knowledge of Xero or comparable accounting software.
• Ability to develop and follow protocols, maintain audit trails and improve processes.
• Ability to obtain and compare quotations and prepare documented best-value recommendations.

Desirable

• EMIS Web knowledge.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent, including English and Mathematics.

Desirable

• AAT Level 4, accounting qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Relevant leadership or management qualification.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for business use.

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience in a finance, accounts or senior financial administrative role.
• Experience of working in NHS Primary Care or GP practice finance.
• Experience of bank reconciliation, purchase and sale ledgers, budget monitoring and forecasting.
• Experience of payroll and pension administration.
• Experience of supervising, coordinating or developing colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience of QOF, DES/LES, CQRS, PCSE, NHS income streams or reimbursement process.
• Experience of supplier contracts, utilities, insurance renewals or procurement.
• Experience of year-end accounts and liaison with accountants or auditors.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Professional, discreet and trustworthy, with sound judgement.
• Proactive, resilient and solution focused.
• Calm under pressure and able to challenge constructively.
• Flexible and adaptable to service and organisational change.

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

Brookside Group Practice

Address

Brookside Close

Earley

Reading

RG6 7HG

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.brooksidegrouppractice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)