Finance Manager – FAI in Edinburgh

Fixed term 12 months. The Scottish Prison Service are responsible for the secure custody of around 8,000 people across Scotland. Our vision is to help build a safer Scotland by unlocking potential and transforming lives. To enable us to successfully deliver our vision, we are committed to nurturing and investing in our greatest strength and resource: Our People.

The hard work and dedication of our staff is, without doubt, the most critical component to the delivery and enablement of frontline services right across the Scottish prison estate, and we are committed to ensuring they are supported, fairly rewarded, and recognised for the unique contribution they make every day.

Job role: Following determination at recent FAI inquiries, SPS has committed to undertake a review of several areas of practice and procedure in the delivery of care to those individuals we support. This has led to the assembling of a team of staff on a short term working life project to deliver the support and financial oversight required for a project of this size and complexity. Due to the nature of this project, there is an opportunity, and requirement, to work across multiple functions within the organisation. The role will report to HQ Finance Business Partner, with a dotted line directly into the project.

Due to the nature of this project, it will have an impact on Business As Usual and the post holder will be required to be able to act as the conduit into the wider Finance team to update and advise of longer term implications of decision making. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with Directors and their senior management to help deliver financial plans, sharing knowledge and ideas, providing input into business planning and ensuring accurate reporting and recording of financials.

The finance manager will confidently share knowledge, ideas and drive forward the finance agenda of strong financial management, risk, accountability and governance. This role lends itself to Hybrid working, in line with policy. While the main office location will be HQ, there may be some travel to establishments to aid in the understanding of the operational issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial Management: Lead the project financial management, which includes preparation and submission of monthly variance reports, forecast outturns, and annual financial planning submissions. Attend regular meetings with Project Board to ensure accurate reporting of forecast spend, understanding wider implications and making recommendations where appropriate.
• Financial Reporting: Responsible for the management and reporting of month end processes including accruals, prepayments and reconciliations. Submission of the project year-end pack for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts.
• Financial Planning: Plan and manage the annual financial planning exercise for the project. Support Project Board and senior managers in their financial submissions; ensuring these are aligned with the overall remit of the project and workstreams. Assist in the development and overview of business case updates and adjustments prior to formal submission.
• Business Improvement: Ability to assess and review information and recognise potential issues and the ability to interrogate and interpret financial/business data that will provide management information and support decision making. An understanding of PPM which facilitates the monitoring of major projects ensuring accurate reporting of forecasts, categorisation of spend, VAT treatment, profiling and the impact on current and future budgets.
• Governance: Support Project Board to discharge their financial management responsibilities. This covers, but is not limited to, delegated authorities (financial and procurement), financial stewardship, risk identification and management, project and programme management.

If you have the following, we would like to hear from you:

• Possession of an ACAB Accredited accountancy qualification.
• Financial management - Experience and proficient in budget/forecast setting, management and analysis.
• Financial Planning - Experience in the management of variance analysis, calculation of accruals and prepayments and multiple workstream management.
• Financial Reporting - Experience of report writing and briefing to inform organisational direction and delivery, using a variety of mediums.
• Business Improvement - Ability to assess and review information and recognise potential issues and the ability to interrogate and interpret financial/business data that will provide management information and support decision making.

Some of the benefits you can enjoy in role are:

• This role lends itself to Hybrid working, in line with policy. While the main office location will be SPS Headquarters, there may be some travel to attend other locations.
• Attractive Pension (Civil Service).
• Commitment to your personal and professional development.
• Free gym and car parking.
• Discounts at high street stores, supermarkets and restaurants through our partners at Blue Light Card, Edenred and Civil Service Sports Council.
• Sick Pay.
• Annual Leave - 37 days rising to 42 days.

For information on the job, including full job description and person specification, and to apply for these vacancies please visit the Scottish Prison Service website. We are committed to your personal and professional development and offer a wide range of career progression opportunities. Closing date: 26 January 2026.