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- Tasks: Lead financial management for a transformative project, ensuring accurate reporting and planning.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to building a safer Scotland through innovative practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, attractive pension, personal development, and discounts at popular stores.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial oversight while collaborating with senior management.
- Qualifications: ACAB accredited accountancy qualification and experience in financial management and reporting.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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 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.
Finance Manager – FAI employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager – FAI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Scottish Prison Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's recent projects and financial strategies. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their mission of building a safer Scotland.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to financial management and reporting. We should be ready to share specific examples from our past experiences that highlight our skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager – FAI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, reporting, and planning, as well as any specific skills that match the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your accomplishments! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see how you fit into the role and the organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through the Scottish Prison Service website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Project's Impact
Familiarise yourself with the specific project you'll be working on. Understand its goals, challenges, and how it fits into the wider organisational strategy. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute effectively during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage financial risks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex financial situations or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll be working closely with senior management and project boards, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, as this will highlight your ability to engage with non-financial stakeholders.
