Senior Finance Manager

Senior Finance Manager

Location: Home and very rarely go to the office in Edinburgh

• Our client is not currently in the office and they do not know when we will go to Hybrid working- the only requirement may be going to Edinburgh on an ad hoc basis at the moment.

Job Type: Temporary

Duration of booking: The duration of this requirement will be for a period of 6 months with an option for further extensions up to a total of 23 months. Should there be a continuing requirement for this role beyond this period the post may be re-advertised

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Negotiable, please note our client is going through a procurement process and will consider candidate CVs and their pay rate and make a decision this way.

Working Days and Hours: The position will be based on a 37-hour week, 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday.

Job Purpose:

Our Clieent is a non-ministerial office of the Scottish Government (SG), supporting the Registrar General for Scotland and the Keeper of the Records of Scotland. There are currently over 480 staff working for them.

They perform the registration and statistical functions of the Registrar General for Scotland and archival functions of the Keeper of the Records of Scotland, including maintaining the archives as one of Scotland's five National Collections. We hold records spanning the 12th to the 21st Centuries, touching on virtually every aspect of Scottish life.

We also administer the registration of life events such as births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships, divorces and adoptions.

They take the census of Scotland's population every 10 years preparing and publishing regular demographic statistics. These statistics play a vital part in underpinning decision making from national to local level, and are a building block in the development of a large number of economic and social statistics.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including NRS Senior Management and Budget Managers, to ensure the delivery of value for money outcomes. This post is important in providing the necessary support and advice, building strong relationships with customers to support the Scottish Government's and NRS' overall purpose. The post holder will need a proactive and flexible approach to ensure that key Ministerial priorities are met.

The post holder will work directly to the Programme Finance Lead (C1). The post is supported by a team of 2 dedicated finance staff

Duties

• Support the preparation of the NRS annual programme budget and various mid-year budgeting exercises as part of the SG Spending Review process.
• Coordinating the month-end process, including analysis of outturn and forecasts compared to budget for budget holders across NRS.
• Reporting monthly on financial position and performance ensuring reports reflect the most up to date financial position.
• Support effective financial management by providing finance and business support to the Corporate Finance Lead and Programme Finance Lead.
• Maintaining the NRS fixed asset register.
• Supporting the production and publication of the NRS Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with the relevant accounting policies and engagement with the external auditors.
• Liaise closely with internal and external stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, suppliers and customer groups.
• Proactively identify efficiencies in systems and processes, ensuring that financial controls are adequate and continually improving in order to contribute to the delivery of value for money outcomes.
• Line management and mentoring of staff ensuring they have the support, knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively.
• Ensure policies are adhered to, reviewing procedures, implementing auditors' recommendations and providing effective support and delegation of responsibilities and tasks to staff in this area.
• Work flexibly across the Finance Team, taking on a range of other work as required to ensure that priorities are met.
• Complying with the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM), the UK Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) and working within the requirements of the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A qualified accountant (CCAB professional accountancy body or equivalent) with up to date CPD or working towards a full professional qualification.
• Well-developed analytical and excel skills with the ability to interpret and analyse complex financial data from a variety of sources, identify discrepancies and implement solutions to ensure value for money.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, to secure successful outcomes.
• Experience of financial management across financial planning, forecasting, management accounting and the month-end process.
• Demonstrable ability to manage people and teams, building confidence, capacity and capability.

Questions

Do you have experience working as a Senior Finance Manager?

Are you a qualified accountant?

Are you able to influence, negotiate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, to secure successful outcomes?

Are you looking for temporary work?

Would you be happy to go to Edinburgh on an ad hoc basis if required for this role?