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- Tasks: Support senior accountants in managing NHS financial performance and correspondence.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, dedicated to improving lives through public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in healthcare finance while studying for a professional qualification.
- Qualifications: Open to trainees; no prior experience required, just a passion for finance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on personal growth and teamwork.
Job Description
Are you well organised, with a great eye for detail and excellent interpersonal skills?
The NHS Scotland Finance Delivery Unit are seeking a trainee accountant to support a number of the senior members of the team to manage the NHS Boards’ financial performance and correspondence. You will have a key role in management of the overall health budget which is over £21.7 billion, working closely and engaging with internal stakeholders as well as NHS Board colleagues in a supportive environment.
You will use both written and verbal communication skills to deliver quality work, and manage competing priorities to help drive improvements in a fast-paced evolving environment. You will also have the opportunity to study towards a professional accounting qualification while in post.
This role offers the chance to join the Finance Delivery Unit and work collaboratively across Scottish Government and with Health Boards to support financial planning and performance across NHS Scotland. We foster a supportive and dynamic environment, offering a great chance for professional development and to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare finance.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the review of financial performance information provided by NHS Boards, including financial and performance monitoring of NHS Scotland, outlining key changes across reporting periods, identifying inconsistencies and assessing funding expectations of NHS Boards.
- Supporting areas of financial and operational planning including learning to conducting analysis of financial data and metrics from other policy areas such as workforce and performance.
- Providing administrative support in relation to key financial reviews of NHS Boards.
- Drafting quality contributions and responses to MiCases, and briefings within required timescales, and in line with the teams agreed quality assurance process.
Qualifications
Trainees are invited to commence studying towards their professional accounting qualifications. Various bodies are considered appropriate, and agreement of professional pathways will be discussed with line managers on successful appointment.
Success Profile
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides descriptions of each. Find out more about how we assess the Success Profile elements.
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing – (Level 1)
- Making Effective Decisions – (Level 1)
- Working Together – (Level 1)
- Developing Self and Others – (Level 1)
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels – Success profiles: candidate guide – gov.scot
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
If a large number of applications are received an initial sift will be conducted using the CV and supporting statement on the Making Effective Decisions behaviour as listed above.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 11th August 2025 however this may be subject to change.
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Trainee Accountant employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Scotland's financial structure and key performance indicators. Understanding how the £21.7 billion budget is managed will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills, both written and verbal. Since the role involves drafting responses and engaging with stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the NHS Scotland Finance Delivery Unit. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the assessment by practising decision-making scenarios relevant to financial management. This will help you showcase your ability to make effective decisions, a key behaviour they are looking for in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Trainee Accountant position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should be no more than 1000 words and must clearly demonstrate how you meet the skills, experience, and behaviours outlined in the Success Profile. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on showcasing your organisational skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal abilities in both your CV and supporting statement. Mention any experience with financial data analysis or administrative support that aligns with the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a trainee accountant. Familiarise yourself with financial performance monitoring and the NHS's budget management to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent written and verbal communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles or experiences. Be ready to discuss how you can draft quality contributions and responses under tight deadlines.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will likely include questions based on the Success Profiles framework. Think of specific instances where you've demonstrated behaviours like 'Communicating and Influencing' or 'Making Effective Decisions' and be prepared to share these examples.
✨Express Your Commitment to Professional Development
As this role offers the opportunity to study towards a professional accounting qualification, express your enthusiasm for continuous learning. Discuss any relevant courses or qualifications you are interested in pursuing while working in the role.
