Finance Manager - B3

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Finance Manager post sits within the Corporate Services team at the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is the biggest Inquiry ever conducted in Scotland and is investigating the devolved strategic response to the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022 and will present its findings and make recommendations to Scottish Ministers. The Corporate Services Team is in the Operations Division and consists of finance, HR, procurement, business support, administration, and property. The Finance Manager post is a key role in ensuring that the Inquiry provides value for money to Scottish Ministers. The postholder will help manage the finances of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, ensuring that spend is accurately reported and that forecasting and monitoring of the Inquiry budget is produced in a timely and efficient manner whilst providing assurances to senior Inquiry staff with budget responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• To ensure that the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry budget is produced on time and monitored throughout the financial year, providing assurance that the Inquiry has sufficient funding to deliver its functions.
• Provide monthly and annual budget forecasts, working closely with the Senior Management Team to predict and plan expected spend.
• Ensuring 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.
• Provision of financial management advice to stakeholders through delivery of financial reporting and analysis, and supplying high quality regular financial updates to key stakeholders.
• Lead, support and line manage a B2 Finance Assistant Finance Manager to ensure delivery of team priorities, while also providing support and guidance to direct reports.
• Maintaining strong working relationships with all stakeholders, both internal and external, whilst managing the timing and quality of information.
• Lead on the production of the Inquiry’s financial figures, ensuring accuracy across several budget lines for publication on the Inquiry website.
• Develop and manage relationships across the Inquiry and the Scottish Government, understanding the drivers of risk across the organisation and identifying opportunities to influence the strategic direction of directorates and the decisions they are making.
• Identify potential improvements to finance processes with a particular focus on using core financial reporting systems to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of organisational financial management.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must be fully CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with up-to-date CPD, however, applications will be considered from candidates with demonstrative experience in a similar role if the CCAB is yet to be achieved.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 2nd June.

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Robert.Mitchell@covid19inquiry.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.