At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Accounts Commission to oversee public spending and ensure accountability in local government.
- Company: Independent public body dedicated to improving public services across Scotland.
- Benefits: Earn £326.96 per day plus expenses, with flexible commitment of 2.5 days a month.
- Other info: Diverse applicants encouraged; guaranteed interviews for disabled candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by ensuring public money is spent wisely.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, local government, or strategic change management is essential.
The Accounts Commission is the independent public body which oversees the performance and spending within Scotland’s 32 councils, 11 local government pension funds, 30 health and social care integration joint boards (IJBs) and other joint boards. We play a significant role in Scottish public life helping to ensure that public money is spent properly, efficiently and effectively. We are responsible for the audit of all local government bodies in Scotland.
Skills/Experience required
As the Commission holds councils to account on behalf of citizens right across Scotland, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government recognises the importance of the Commission representing all communities and encourages applicants from a diverse range of relevant backgrounds and from both urban and rural locations across Scotland. Applicants will wish to be aware that for these roles on the Accounts Commission for Scotland we are operating a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.
Responsibilities
Public Appointees are responsible for:
- ensuring that the public body delivers its functions in accordance with Scottish Ministers’ policies and priorities
- providing strategic leadership
- ensuring financial stewardship
- holding the Chief Executive and senior management team to account
Qualifications
ROLE CRITERIA
Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate by the end of the appointment process:
- At least one of the following priority criteria:
- Experience of finance, accountancy, audit and risk
- Experience of local government
- Experience of overseeing successful strategic change management programmes.
- Applicants must also provide evidence of the following essential criteria; the initial application only requires written evidence of the first:
- Commitment to improvement in public services
- Constructive & supportive challenge
- Sound judgement based on good analytical skills and ability to assimilate a large amount of information
- Strong and effective communicator
Remuneration and Time Commitment
The role of member attracts a remuneration rate of £326.96 per day during 2026/27 (non-pensionable) plus reasonable expenses (travel and subsistence). Members to devote 2.5 days per month, up to a maximum of 30 days in any financial year. This does not include travel time to meetings.
Location
Commission meetings are held at the Audit Scotland office at 102 West Port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DN (and occasionally in Audit Scotland’s Glasgow office in Nelson Mandela Place).
Interviews
29 September, 1 and 2 October 2026. In person at the Audit Scotland office, 4th Floor, 102 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DN.
Information Sessions
We will be holding two information sessions, both hybrid, on:
- Wednesday 29 July 6pm, West Port, Edinburgh
- Thursday 13 August 6pm, Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow
Please contact Sarah Watters, Director for the Commission at acsupport@audit.scot, to register for the events. Prospective candidates can also attend the public session of the Commission meeting on 13 August between 10am and 11:30am, in the Glasgow office. This meeting can also be watched online.
How to apply
- Download the applicant information pack. This will explain more about the role, the board and the application process.
- Click the ‘apply now’ link at the top of the advert. As part of the online application process, you will need to complete the personal information section, and then upload the following:
- Complete the questions relating to political activity and any conflicts of interest.
- You will then be asked to supply evidence to answer at least one of the Priority Criteria questions, if you do not complete this, your application cannot be considered.
- You will then be asked to supply evidence to answer Essential Criteria 1, if you do not complete this, your application cannot be considered.
Completed applications must be received on or before 12.00 noon on Monday 24 August 2026.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if you require further support with your application, please contact the Public Appointments at public.appointments@gov.scot.
Equality Statement
Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.
Further Information
Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
Appointment of up to three Members to the Accounts Commission for Scotland employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Appointment of up to three Members to the Accounts Commission for Scotland
✨Connect with Local Community Projects
Get involved with local community service projects or government initiatives that align with your interests. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also help you build connections within the public sector that might lead to volunteer opportunities at places like Scottish Government.
✨Check Online Portals and Local Councils
Many government organisations post their volunteer roles on specific online portals or their official sites. Keep an eye on the careers section of Scottish Government's website and your local council’s page to find roles that resonate with you.
✨Get Involved in Public Sector Events
Look for local events, town hall meetings, or public forums where you can meet professionals from the public sector. Engaging in conversations at these events can spot volunteer opportunities and even lead to future roles within Scottish Government.
✨Network with Fellow Volunteers
Join groups or forums focused on volunteering in your area. Not only will you be able to share experiences, but you might also come across insider info about upcoming roles at Scottish Government or other related organisations. It's all about who you know!
We think you need these skills to ace Appointment of up to three Members to the Accounts Commission for Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Community Involvement:Volunteering in the government and public sector is all about making a difference in your community. Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or community projects you’ve been involved in on your CV. We want to see how passionate you are about serving the public and what initiatives you've taken to create positive change.
Emphasise Transferable Skills:In the public sector, skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are golden. Highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they were in a non-public sector role. We appreciate real-world examples that show your ability to connect with people and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Craft a Purposeful Cover Letter:Since you're applying for a volunteer role, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and commitment to helping others. Use this opportunity to express your passion for public service and any specific issues or groups you’re excited to support. Let's see your reason for wanting to join our cause at Scottish Government!
Show Your Availability:When you're volunteering, we need to know how much time you can commit. Be clear about your availability and any other commitments you might have. This will help us understand how you can best fit into our team at Scottish Government. Let’s make sure you can be the mighty force we need on the ground!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Community
For a volunteer role in the public sector, it’s super important to understand the community or area you’ll be serving. Reflect on local issues and initiatives that affect residents. This shows your interest and awareness, which can set you apart during the interview with Scottish Government.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Volunteering is about service – be ready to discuss why you want to contribute to the public sector. Share any past experiences of community involvement or projects that demonstrate your dedication. Be honest about your motivations; passion goes a long way in volunteer roles.
✨Familiarity with Policies
Brush up on basic policies or regulations relevant to the public sector. Familiarity with how these impact community services can be a big plus. You might be asked situational questions where your understanding of these matters might help, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Bring Your Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, soft skills are key. Think of examples that showcase your teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. Since we’re dealing with people from various backgrounds, your ability to connect and collaborate is crucial, so be ready with stories that highlight these abilities.
