At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial transactions and support budget monitoring in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's Corporate Operations Directorate for impactful work.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional qualification support.
- Why this job: Gain valuable finance experience while contributing to meaningful projects in public service.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you enjoy working with a variety of stakeholders to ensure resources are managed effectively? Corporate Operations Directorate, part of the DG Corporate family, leads efforts to enable Scottish Government to operate more effectively and efficiently, supporting both internal teams and public sector organisations who are our shared service customers. Our critical technologies and services underpin operations across government, with a focus on digital transformation, automation and shared services. We bring structure and governance to the setting of priorities, and are responsible for delivering projects and programmes from a varied portfolio of transformational change.
We have an opportunity for an Assistant Finance Manager to join the Business Management Unit (BMU). We’re a small, collaborative team responsible for providing financial management, governance and business support across the Directorate. As the central point for financial planning, monitoring and reporting, the team plays a key role in ensuring resources are managed effectively and leaders have the information they need to make informed decisions.
Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, you will take day-to-day responsibility for a range of financial transactions, processes, records and reconciliations, while supporting budget monitoring, forecasting and reporting activities. Working across all aspects of the Directorate's finance function, you'll gain broad exposure to financial management while helping to drive continuous improvement and deliver high-quality financial insights in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent development opportunity for someone looking to broaden their experience and make a meaningful contribution to the team's work.
You will be responsible for:
- Undertake finance functions including Oracle reporting, Purchase Orders, journals, ePC use/approval and reconciliations.
- Maintain robust financial records, including management of a shared mailbox and continuous improvement of processes.
- Contribute to the timely and accurate completion of budget monitoring and reporting exercises and provide management with robust information and explanations to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Support the provision of high-quality monthly financial reports to senior officials, influencing and challenging budget holders, assisting them to make informed decisions.
- Support the provision of regular, high-quality financial information and analysis, developing and using knowledge and expertise of local business and policy issues to challenge returns and provide advice to resolve issues.
- Provide financial advice and assistance to stakeholders, and build and maintain effective working relationships with business areas.
- Contribute to the completion and quality assurance of input to corporate financial exercises in accordance with the corporate timetable, ensuring working papers provide a full audit trail and are retained and easily accessible during the audit process.
- Engage with relevant colleagues across the organisation to work effectively together to deliver corporate financial exercises.
Responsibilities Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience
- Experience of managing a diverse and varied workload with the ability to prioritise and adapt to shifting stakeholder needs.
- Effective communication skills with experience of influencing stakeholders and maintaining strong working relationships.
- Enhanced analytical skills, using a range of tools to develop informed options, make evidence-based recommendations and support decision-making.
Behaviours
- Working together – level 3
- Delivering at pace – level 3
Technical Skills
- Strong Oracle finance skills, with experience of Scottish Government financial management processes and systems.
- Part CCAB qualified, or able to demonstrate relevant experience, with a willingness to undertake a professional qualification and work towards part-qualified status after gaining experience and becoming fully operational in the role.
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the experience, behaviours and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17/08/2026 however this may be subject to change.
Qualifications 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 with a minimum of 2 days per week in our office. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
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).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, and read about the Government Vetting Charter, or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
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.
Apply Before: 09/08/26 (23:59) - This role is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Assistant Finance Manager 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 Assistant Finance Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Scottish Government. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Scottish Government.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Scottish Government's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Scottish Government.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Scottish Government will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Scottish Government employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
