Finance & Accounting Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Review the existing finance and reporting processes, including the Oracle ledger, identify opportunities for improvement, implement recommended changes, and provide training to the finance team.
• Lead the preparation of the annual report and accounts in line with FReM and SPFM requirements, coordinating with internal and external auditors.
• Represent the finance function at Audit & Risk Committee meetings and present financial updates and reports to the Board, Audit & Risk Committee, and Scottish Government.
• Oversee IFRS 16 lease accounting, account reconciliations, key financial controls, and finance performance indicators.
• Support the annual budgeting process, develop financial models, and contribute to long-term financial planning and strategic decision-making.

Essential Requirements

• Professionally qualified through ACCA/CCAB, with CPD requirements up to date. Advanced part-qualified candidates will also be considered.
• Excellent knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and financial management.
• Strong technical accounting expertise.
• Proven experience in year-end financial accounts preparation, with the ability to lead the external audit process.
• Hands-on experience preparing monthly management accounts.
• Advanced Excel skills, particularly in financial modelling.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting financial information to senior management, the Board, and Audit & Risk Committees.
• Experience in staff development, mentoring, and coaching.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with Oracle Financials.
• Knowledge of Scottish Government budgeting cycles and procurement procedures.
• Experience preparing Scottish Government consolidation and Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) submissions.
• Public sector accounting knowledge, including the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM), and IFRS 16 lease accounting.