Bookkeeper Finance Controller inLancaster inLancaster PUBLISHED TUE 22 OCT 2024

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, experienced (with demonstrable minimum of 5 years in a similar role) financial controller/bookkeeper for 16 hours a week. Office based in Lancaster City Centre.

Large, 8 Partner GP Practice, serving approx. 16.5K patients, multi-site central Lancaster.

The successful applicant for this role will be responsible for providing support and working in conjunction with the practice director, to ensure the financial health and integrity of the Practice, through accurate record-keeping, financial analysis, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Expertise with QuickBooks accounting and Iris Payroll software is essential.

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of our team.

Working in a similar role in General Practice would be an advantage, however a handover and induction programme is planned for the successful candidate.

The financial controller at Queen Square Medical Practice is an office-based position, working in conjunction with the practice director, to ensure the financial health and integrity of the Practice through accurate record-keeping, financial analysis, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the role to include:-

Financial Management

Payroll Processing (Iris Payroll)

Data Entry & Record-Keeping (QuickBooks)

Administrative Support

IT Proficiency

Compliance and Ethics

Additional responsibilities as required by the Practice.

About us

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

Manage and reconcile accounts payable and receivable.

Oversee bank reconciliations and account management.

Prepare and analyse financial reports.

Assist with budgeting and financial planning.

Ensure compliance with tax regulations and financial reporting standards.

Payroll Processing

Process payroll accurately and timely.

Manage employee benefits and deductions, including NHS Pension.

Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Data Entry and Record-Keeping.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.

Input data into accounting software and systems.

Administrative Support

Provide administrative support to the Practice Director, Practice Manager and partners.

Liaise with external financial professionals and suppliers.

Assist with financial audits and reviews.

IT Proficiency

Demonstrate proficiency in accounting software and other relevant financial tools.

Troubleshoot IT issues related to financial systems.

Stay updated on industry best practices and technological advancements.

Compliance and Ethics

Adhere to strict confidentiality standards and data protection regulations.

Maintain ethical standards and professional conduct.

Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and accounting principles.

Additional Responsibilities:

Assist Practice Director with tasks as needed.

Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Qualifications and Skills

Proven experience in bookkeeping or accounting.

Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.

Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Iris Payroll).

Excellent organisational and analytical skills.

Attention to detail and accuracy.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Generic responsibilities

All staff at Queen Square Medical Practice have a duty to conform to the following:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)

A good attitude and positive action towards ED&I creates an environment where all individuals are able to achieve their full potential. Creating such an environment is important for three reasons: it improves operational effectiveness, it is morally the right thing to do, and it is required by law.

Patients and their families have the right to be treated fairly and be routinely involved in decisions about their treatment and care. They can expect to be treated with dignity and respect and will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Patients have a responsibility to treat other patients and our staff with dignity and respect.

Staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression. Staff can expect to work in an environment where diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is promoted. Staff will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Staff have a responsibility to ensure they treat our patients and their colleagues with dignity and respect.

Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF)

This practice is committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for staff to maintain their health, well-being and safety. You have a duty to take reasonable care of health and safety at work for you, your team and others, and to cooperate with employers to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. All personnel are to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Environmental Protection Act 1990, Environment Act 1995, Fire Precautions (workplace) Regulations 1999 and other statutory legislation.

Confidentiality

This practice is committed to maintaining an outstanding confidential service. Patients entrust and permit us to collect and retain sensitive information relating to their health and other matters pertaining to their care. They do so in confidence and have a right to expect that all staff will respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality at all times. It is essential that if the legal requirements are to be met and the trust of our patients is to be retained, that all staff protect patient information and provide a confidential service.

Quality & Continuous Improvement (CI)

To preserve and improve the quality of our output, all personnel are required to think not only of what they do, but how they achieve it. By continually re-examining our processes, we will be able to develop and improve the overall effectiveness of the way we work. The responsibility for this rests with everyone working within the practice to look for opportunities to improve quality and share good practice.

This practice continually strives to improve work processes which deliver healthcare with improved results across all areas of our service provision. We promote a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone counts, and staff are permitted to make suggestions and contributions to improve our service delivery and enhance patient care.

Induction training

On arrival at the practice all personnel are to complete a practice induction programme; this is managed by the Practice Manager.

Learning and development

The effective use of training and development is fundamental in ensuring that all staff are equipped with the appropriate skills, knowledge, attitude and competencies to perform their role. All staff will be required to participate in, and complete mandatory training as required by the role, as well as participating in the practices training programme. Staff will also be permitted (subject to approval) to undertake external training courses which will enhance their knowledge and skills, progress their career and ultimately enable them to improve processes and service delivery.

Collaborative working

All staff are to recognise the significance of collaborative working. Teamwork is essential in multidisciplinary environments. Effective communication is essential, and all staff must ensure they communicate in a way that enables the sharing of information in an appropriate manner.

Service delivery

Staff at Queen Square Medical Practice must adhere to the information contained within practice policies and regional directives, ensuring protocols are always adhered to. Staff will be given detailed information during the induction process regarding policy and procedure.

Security

The security of the practice is the responsibility of all personnel. Staff must ensure they remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity immediately to their line manager. Under no circumstances are staff to share the codes for the door locks with anyone and are to ensure that restricted areas remain effectively secured.

Professional conduct

At Queen Square Medical Practice, staff are required to dress appropriately for their role. Administrative staff will be provided with a uniform whilst clinical staff must dress in accordance with their role.

Leave

All personnel are entitled to take leave. Line managers are to ensure that all their staff are afforded the opportunity to take a minimum of 30 days leave each year, (inclusive of bank holiday allowances, pro rata for part time staff) and should be encouraged to take all their leave entitlement.