At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance processes for student support and ensure data accuracy.
- Company: Join the Student Awards Agency Scotland, a key player in education funding.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with flexible working across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by managing vital financial support.
- Qualifications: Must be a current B1 employee with relevant finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
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.
This role is key to running the finance and data processes for Further Education Student Support (FESS) and Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, responsible for the administration of student financial support to eligible students studying a course of Higher Education within the UK. SAAS supports approximately 160,000 students annually with the administration of over £1 billion of financial support.
SAAS has taken on the administration of Further Education Student Support, which is an entirely new function for the Agency and is part of Post-School Education and Skills Reform. SAAS will become the single funding body for student support in Scotland. The post sits within the Corporate Services Directorate of SAAS and will support the administration of FE Student Support functions (FESS) including Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) to eligible students studying at college. The role will be fast-paced and have opportunities to work closely with teams across SAAS – particularly Finance, HR and Communications as well as colleagues within the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council. This is an excellent opportunity for a Finance Professional to develop their skills in delivering a key funding stream.
As a Senior Finance Officer, you will line manage the A4 Finance Officer for FESS, undertaking analysis and reporting on expenditure and forecasting expenditure.
Responsibilities
- Annual review and update of grant offer letter process for FESS and EMA.
- Input into the AO processes for spend.
- Monitor team mailboxes and work with the finance officers to resolve any queries.
- Producing reports on expenditure to date and detailed forecasts.
- Undertaking the annual EMA data collection, review and reporting.
- Undertake the quarterly FESS data analysis, ensuring data governance, retention and compliance with best practice.
- Work flexibly across the team alongside other B1 finance roles to ensure cover of tasks.
- Project work on development of finance processes and delivery of student support.
- Ensuring the maintenance of overall financial control to ensure the integrity of financial data and accuracy of the supporting systems and records.
Qualifications
This role is a permanent level transfer position.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B1 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). Vacancy closes at 11:59pm.
Selection Process
All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. Informal discussions are to be confirmed.
Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact simon.norbury@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Senior Finance Officer - B1 employer: Scottish Government
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer - B1
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer - B1
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.
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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.
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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.
