At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance tasks, ensure accurate reporting, and support strategic financial planning.
- Company: Scottish Land Commission focused on land ownership and governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while driving digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong analytical skills, and public sector knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 38791 - 44311 € per year.
Salary: £38,791 - £44,311
Location: Inverness (hybrid working may be considered). Regular, weekly attendance in our Inverness office is required for this role, and successful applicants must be based in Scotland.
Hours: 35 per week (with flexible working available)
Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover 9 months, with the possibility of extending up to 12 months
Reports to: Finance
Purpose of role
Reporting to the Finance and Business System Lead, you will play a key role in delivering financial reporting, ensuring legal compliance and oversight in all financial processes such as variance analysis, cost improvement identification and partnering with various departments in the organisation for enhanced forecasting. You will help guide strategic financial planning and the ideal candidate will have experience in finance, proven analytical skills, and experience of working within public sector to help drive digital transformation for more data driven insights for the Commission.
Key duties of the role
- Manage day-to-day finance tasks, including processing invoices, purchases and banking to help maintain monthly budget reporting ensuring accurate financial reporting in line with best practice for consideration by management and board members.
- Main point of contact for budget and invoice queries, providing expert guidance and advice as and when required.
- Make sure financial information is accurate, recorded properly and follows agreed processes.
- Support budget holders with financial planning and scenario modelling. Provide clear and timely advice on income and expenditure for management team and board to ensure effective financial management and oversight.
- Work with budget holders to monitor budgets and highlight any emerging risks.
- Support the assessment of business cases by analysing financial and non-financial information and preparing summaries for decision-making.
- Help maintain and improve finance systems and processes to ensure good governance and efficient information flow.
- Use internal systems (SharePoint, finance software etc.) to store information securely and accurately.
- Ensure financial procedures follow internal policies and relevant guidance (e.g., SPFM and FREM), escalating issues where needed.
- Support preparation of information for audit and ensure month-end tasks are completed on time.
- Work with teams to help them understand the financial impact of their projects.
- Provide guidance and training to colleagues who are less familiar with financial processes.
- Promote good financial management and help embed a culture of good financial responsibility.
Professional development
- Take a proactive approach to own professional development by maintaining an active interest in relevant developments in work and committing to continuing professional development.
- Support the professional development of colleagues by providing constructive feedback where appropriate.
- Seek and share opportunities to be creative and realise continuous improvement in our delivery and impact of our work.
- Support the development of the Land Commission by contributing actively to organisational planning processes such as quarterly milestones, annual business plan and three-year strategic plan.
- Contribute to and support organisational development through behaviours and ways of working that bring our organisational values to life.
Key contacts
- Internal: Colleagues from across the Commission including the Board, Policy, Good Practice and Corporate Services.
- External: Relevant Scottish Government Teams, Outsourced Departments, Auditors, Suppliers.
Senior Finance Officer employer: Scottish Land Commission
The Scottish Land Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and professional growth. Located in the scenic city of Inverness, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful projects that drive economic prosperity and land governance in Scotland. With a commitment to continuous improvement and development, the Commission fosters an environment where staff can thrive and make a real impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Scottish Land Commission and its financial processes. Show us you understand their mission and how your skills can help drive their goals forward. Tailor your answers to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you've tackled budgeting challenges in the past. We want to see your analytical prowess and how you can contribute to effective financial management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the Land Commission's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Officer role. Highlight your experience in finance, especially within the public sector, and showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at the Scottish Land Commission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about financial management and how you can contribute to our goals. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with budget monitoring and financial reporting.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your expertise in financial systems and processes. We’re looking for someone who can help us improve governance and efficiency, so share examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Land Commission
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgeting and reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed finances in previous roles, particularly in the public sector. This will show that you understand the unique challenges and responsibilities of the Senior Finance Officer position.
✨Understand the Commission's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Land Commission's mission and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to their goals, like enhancing financial oversight and supporting strategic planning, will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to analyse financial scenarios or identify risks. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past experience to illustrate how you've successfully navigated similar situations.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with various departments, so be prepared to discuss how you've partnered with others in the past. Highlight your ability to provide guidance and training to colleagues who may not be as financially savvy, showcasing your teamwork and leadership skills.
