Finance Manager in Barnstaple

Litchdon Medical Centre is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and experienced individual to lead the finance department within our busy GP practice. This role will work closely with the Practice Manager and GP Partners and will also provide line management to the Deputy Finance Manager and Finance Administrative Assistant. This is a vital position within the organisation, requiring a confident and capable individual who can take ownership of the practice's financial responsibilities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the management team and external accountant to ensure the effective financial management of the practice.

An AAT Accounting Qualification, or a minimum of 5 years' accounting experience at Assistant level or above (or equivalent experience), is essential, together with experience in managing accounts or financial processes. Experience in line management or team leadership would be advantageous. The post holder will need to be confident, proactive and able to make decisions and work independently while also contributing as part of the wider management team. Strong communication skills are essential, along with good IT skills and the ability to effectively use and quickly learn the practice's financial systems and wider IT processes.

Hours - 16 - 20 hours per week available, to be discussed further at interview. Salary - Between £17.00 - £20.00 depending on qualifications. Closing date 23rd June with interviews scheduled for the 6th July (pm).

Main duties of the job

• Work as an integral part of the Management Team to ensure the Practice operates in a profitable and sustainable manner and provide accurate financial and timely information when requested by the Partners or Accountants.
• Responsible for finance movement between budgets and coordinate annual budget settings and ongoing in-year maintenance and reconciliation for the Practice.
• Cover compilation of information for the final production of accounts bi-annually in conjunction with the Practice's accountants and identify improvement of cost and/or performance and monitor the outcomes of new practices put in place to achieve this.
• Manage and ensure systems are in place and followed for invoicing and claims, as well as compile and submit VAT electronic returns.
• Work closely with the other Heads of Departments in the Practice and answer queries relating to financial, pay and pension issues.
• Provide day-to-day line management for your team and monitor staff sickness, annual leave and recruiting for new staff within the team.

About us

Litchdon Medical Centre is a friendly and busy GP surgery based in North Devon, serving over 16,700 patients. We are committed to delivering high-quality healthcare by valuing both our patients and staff within a supportive and sustainable environment. Litchdon Medical Centre is also part of the Barnstaple Alliance Primary Care Network - a collaboration of local GP Practices working together to share resources and services, and to improve care for the wider Barnstaple community.

Job responsibilities

• Work as an integral part of the Management Team to ensure that the Practice operates in a profitable and cost-effective manner in keeping with the financial aspirations of the Practice.
• Support the Management Team in the provision of timely and accurate financial information and advice.
• Be responsible for the analysis of the adverse, favourable and significant movements between budgets and actual income/expenditure as part of the performance management process.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual budget setting process and ongoing in-year budget maintenance & reconciliation for the Practice.
• Maintenance of financial systems to aid the provision and compilation of information for the final production of Accounts bi-annually in conjunction with the Practice's accountants.
• Assist in identifying potential areas of cost and/or performance improvement and the ongoing monitoring of these areas particularly when decisions have been implemented.
• Provide ongoing financial advice and support and answer queries arising from the financial reports and produce ad hoc reports and analysis as required by the Partners.
• Provide information as requested by members of the Heads of Department Team for the department where there is a direct responsibility.
• Line management responsibilities for the Deputy Finance Manager and Finance Administrative Assistant.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience in all aspects of managing accounts.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, planning and control.
• Preparation of regular management accounts including variance analyses.
• Proven experience in working to deadlines.
• Competent in using accounting software packages.
• Experience of budget setting and monitoring.
• Experience in implementing and managing projects.
• Experience in collation and submission of VAT returns.
• NHS/Primary Care general practice finance experience.

Qualifications

• AAT Accounting Qualification or 5+ years accounting experience at Assistant level or above (QBE).
• Excellent standard of education with proven literacy and numeracy skills.

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.

£17 to £20 an hour depending on qualifications and experience.