At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budget development and prepare financial reports for the Council.
- Company: East Lothian Council, committed to community service and employee growth.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and potential for hybrid work.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic finance team and make a real difference in local governance.
- Qualifications: HNC/SVQ Level 3 in accountancy or substantial experience in financial management.
- Other info: Internal applicants only; great opportunity for current employees to advance.
The predicted salary is between 36800 - 39900 £ per year.
The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week). Part-time hours will be pro-rated accordingly.
Hourly rate of pay: £17.72 - £19.19
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.00. Flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible. To start March 2026.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration: Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview.
Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
As a key member of the Finance Team, the Finance Officer will be expected to:
- Support the Accountant and Principal Accountant to develop service budgets;
- Support in the preparation of accurate and timely financial monitoring reports to Council services, ensuring that relevant information is reflected within the financial ledger and budget profiling is accurate; timely and accurate reconciliations are undertaken; and financial variances are identified and investigated;
- Support the successful delivery of the Council’s statutory financial accounts and other key statutory returns.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements:
- A formal accountancy or business management qualification at HNC/SVQ Level 3 and/or able to demonstrate substantial experience/skills in a financial management/business management role;
- Level 1 Disclosure Clearance: This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo.
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form.
Finance Officer - Service Accounting - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12134 in Haddington employer: East Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
East Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer - Service Accounting - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12134 in Haddington
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you know the ins and outs of the Finance Officer role. Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the job description. We want to see that you can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 2
Network with your colleagues! Since this position is for internal applicants only, reach out to those in the finance team or related departments. They might give you insights into what the hiring managers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by familiarising yourself with the 'East Lothian Way' values. Think of examples from your work that demonstrate these behaviours. We want to see how you embody the council's values in your day-to-day work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way to get your application in. Make sure you complete the online form thoroughly, as we don’t accept CVs. Let’s make sure your application stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer - Service Accounting - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12134 in Haddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you highlight the right skills and experiences in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Finance Officer role. Use examples that demonstrate your financial management skills and how they relate to the tasks mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to complete the online application form. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Officer, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your financial terminology and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in financial monitoring and reporting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the 'East Lothian Way'
Make sure you understand the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. Prepare to give examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also a good cultural fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial management and accounting principles. Review key concepts and be prepared to explain how you've applied them in your work. This could include discussing reconciliations, budget profiling, or statutory accounts.
✨Ask About Hybrid Working
Since this role offers home or hybrid working options, come prepared with questions about how this arrangement works. It shows you're thinking ahead and are interested in how you can balance office and remote work effectively.