Head of Finance in Edinburgh

The post holder will be accountable to the Director of Finance for the effective delivery of the financial operations, finance policy and strategy. The role will require regularly deputising for the Director of Finance and it is expected that the post holder will also contribute to the development of a number of strategic organisational priorities.

The role will lead on all aspects of the day-to-day management of the SPS finance department; financial and management accounting, financial policy & systems and finance business partnering. This will include payment of creditors, treasury function, statutory reporting, capital accounting, operational finance, systems development and maintenance and all management information reporting.

The post holder will provide finance advice and support to the Director of Finance and the SPS Senior Leadership Team, contributing to delivery of the strategic objectives of the organisation. A key aspect of the role will be the involvement in a number of organisational wide transformational projects. There is also a specific leadership remit in developing the SPS finance function moving towards a new operating model.

Core responsibilities in the role will include:

• The delivery of Statutory Annual Accounts
• The annual financial planning and budgeting process
• The timely and accurate reporting of the organisation’s financial position
• Maintaining the finance department’s risk register
• Ensuring financial policy, procedures, controls and processes are adhered to across the organisation

In addition to these responsibilities, there will be a requirement to work with the Director of Finance in delivering a medium strategic financial strategy for the SPS. The role will have line management responsibility for a number of senior finance professional staff and to ensure there is a collaborative approach to the delivery of the priorities, objectives and planned outcomes of the finance function.

The role is suitable for hybrid working with an expectation that the role holder will work from SPS locations approx. 3 days a week. The primary base will be at SPS Headquarters, situated in the heart of Edinburgh Park, however, there may be a requirement for travel to other SPS sites across Scotland.

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

• Accountancy/ Professional qualification, for example membership of a CCAB professional body or equivalent. (Essential)
• Finance and Technical Experience Expert knowledge of relevant financial regulations and excellent technical Accounting knowledge (Essential)
• Senior Corporate Management Experience. Experience of working with Executive and Project Boards, experience of operating in a complex environment at strategic level. (Essential)
• Leadership Experience Previous experience of Leading & Motivating teams at a senior level within a finance function with the ability to lead projects at a senior level. (Essential)
• Public Sector Accounting Knowledge and experience of public sector accounting requirements; specifically, in the production of statutory accounts and the Scottish Government budgeting process. (Desirable)

Some of the benefits you can enjoy in role are:

• This role lends itself to Hybrid working, in line with policy.
• 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

We are committed to your personal and professional development and offer a wide range of career progression opportunities.