Finance Business Partner in Inverness

Audit Scotland provides the Auditor General and Accounts Commission with the services they need to carry out their duties. Together we ensure that the Scottish Government and public-sector bodies throughout Scotland are held to account for the proper, efficient and effective use of public money. We employ around 340 staff in a wide variety of roles, working from our main offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.

Are you a qualified accountant who thrives on solving complex financial challenges, enjoys partnering with colleagues across an organisation, and wants your work to genuinely make a difference to public services in Scotland? We’re seeking a Finance Business Partner to support strategic financial planning, reporting and analysis. You’ll lead key budgeting and forecasting processes, produce clear and insightful financial reports, oversee month‑end and year‑end activity, and contribute to our annual accounts. If you bring strong analytical skills, clear communication and a collaborative mindset, this is your chance to make a meaningful contribution to the effective use of public money.

What you will be doing

• Assist the Head of Finance to establish, manage and report on Audit Scotland’s budget for:
• The Audit Scotland Board
• The Executive Team
• The Accounts Commission
• The Scottish Commission for Public Audit
• Budget holders
• Support the Head of Finance to prepare a medium‑term financial plan to meet the strategic objectives outlined in the corporate plan.
• Produce reports on Audit Scotland’s performance against agreed budgets and liaise with budget holders to prepare in‑year financial forecasts.
• Financial modelling and scenario planning of expenditure and fee income budgets.
• Evaluate and assess financial impact of business cases and their long‑term affordability implications.
• Work closely with our Audit Services Group and Performance Audit and Best Value Business Managers to develop reporting on the cost of audit delivery.
• Manage the month and year‑end processes ensuring all work‑in‑progress, accruals, prepayments, fixed asset, and other essential journal entries are posted prior to Head of Finance sign off.
• Key contact for managing and developing Audit Scotland’s financial management systems.
• Assist with the design of reporting systems to enable managers throughout Audit Scotland to have appropriate financial management information.
• Assist with the preparation of Audit Scotland’s annual accounts liaising with the external auditor as necessary.
• Responsible for the submission of VAT and Corporation Tax returns to meet HMRC deadlines.
• Support the Auditor General for Scotland with the discharge of the Comptroller function.
• Manage the cash flow of Audit Scotland.
• Key contact for Audit Scotland procurement compliance.
• Ensure the day‑to‑day operations of the sales and purchase ledgers deliver the timely payment of invoices and collection of all income in respect of chargeable services provided by Audit Scotland.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the reputation and standing of Audit Scotland by demonstrating high professional standards to external and internal audit.
• Contribute to the continuous improvements in the standard of financial management information throughout Audit Scotland through personal reading, personal professional development, meetings with government departments, working parties, conferences, and seminars.

Person specification – specific knowledge and experience

Essential

• Hold a recognised accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ICAS, other CCAB, CIMA or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial monitoring and variance analysis in a complex organisation.
• Experience of producing high‑quality financial reports, including scenario planning and long‑term financial modelling.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, to provide clear advice to all levels of staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively across the organisation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and financial management systems, including advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to work with integrity, discretion, and sound judgement, demonstrating high professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working within the public sector, particularly in an organisation subject to public audit.
• Knowledge of Audit Scotland, its governance structures, and the wider Scottish public‑sector landscape.
• Understanding of central government accounting standards, budgeting and financial reporting frameworks.
• Experience managing or developing junior colleagues.