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- Tasks: Join us as a Finance Business Partner, supporting financial managers and ensuring accurate financial advice.
- Company: The Scottish Prison Service delivers safe custodial services, empowering offenders to fulfil their potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working policy, generous annual leave, and discounts at popular retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team, develop your skills, and make a real impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Must be a full member of a CCAB recognised body with experience in finance business partnering.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and progression within a diverse organisation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is an Agency of the Scottish Government, working in partnership with organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to deliver safe and secure custodial services that empower offenders to take responsibility and to fulfil their potential. We employ over 4500 people in a diverse range of professions across our 13 prisons, Headquarters and the SPS College.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen within SPS Headquarters as we recruit for a Finance Business Partner that will cover the West areas to join the Team. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for the finance business partnering with SPS establishment finance managers within your area. The role is to support establishment finance managers and provide financial leadership ensuring the production of relevant, accurate and timely financial advice and supporting information in order that the establishments will achieve their agreed financial position. You will provide strategic financial advice and support to the establishments in the development of their operational business plans. A key aspect of this support will be working with the establishments in the development of business cases. You will work closely with both establishment finance managers and colleagues within finance HQ. You may have line management responsibility for staff within the team; an important part of the role will be the mentoring and coaching of the finance team.
Key Responsibilities
- Establishing and maintaining close effective working relationships with establishment teams providing high quality, reliable, accurate and timely financial information.
- Responsible for the overall preparation and monitoring of the establishment budgets, ensuring the reporting requirements are achieved timely and accurately.
- Support the establishment finance managers in the development of strategies and preparation, delivery and performance monitoring of Business Cases.
- Manage and support the establishment finance managers, ensuring the training and development of the team to attain the best achievable performance.
- Responsibility for providing assurance on the integrity of financial information, ensuring the compliance of SPS controls, financial policies, and procedures.
About You
- Full membership of a CCAB recognised body e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or ICAS/ICAEW. (Essential)
- Experience of delivering finance business partnering in a large, complex organisation; with extensive experience of financial reporting, planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. (Essential)
- You will have proven experience of effectively and constructively negotiating with non-finance stakeholders, and challenging financial information to secure optimal value for money from services; and experience of delivering high quality results and being able to manage competing priorities in an effective and resilient manner. (Essential)
- Experience in the preparation of business cases, and provision of analysis and insight to support investment decision making; in the development and monitoring of savings and efficiency plans; and in the improvement of financial processes and financial management information. (Essential)
Benefits on Offer
- An attractive Civil Service Pension - employer contributions of 27.1% to 27.9%
- Hybrid working policy - supporting flexibility in work arrangements
- Ongoing professional development
- Opportunity for progression
- Annual Leave - 37 days rising to 42 days
- Sick Pay
- Discounts on High Street stores, supermarkets and restaurants through our partners at Blue Light Card, Edenred and Civil Service Sports Council
Finance Business Partner - West - 419365 employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - West - 419365
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in public service or similar organisations. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's financial policies and procedures. Understanding their specific requirements will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in business case development and financial reporting. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex financial situations and delivered results in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to mentor and coach others in finance. The role involves managing a team, so showcasing your leadership skills and experience in developing others will make you a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - West - 419365
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Finance Business Partner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in finance business partnering, financial reporting, and budgeting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate with non-finance stakeholders and manage competing priorities.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your full membership of a CCAB recognised body (e.g., CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, or ICAS/ICAEW) prominently in your application. This is an essential requirement for the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that addresses how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the role. Discuss your approach to providing strategic financial advice and your experience in developing business cases.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in previous roles to drive business decisions.
✨Understand the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's mission and values. Understanding their operational context will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in complex financial situations. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated challenges or improved financial processes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role involves working with non-finance stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated financial information to diverse audiences. Highlight any experiences where you've negotiated or influenced decisions.
