At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and systems, ensuring high-quality operations and compliance.
- Company: Public sector organisation making a meaningful impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to influence change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape financial governance and enhance public resource efficiency.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with strong public sector knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh
Are you a qualified accountant, with full membership with one of the CCAB recognised bodies or CIMA, looking to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact within a public sector organisation? This is an exciting opportunity to lead a key Financial Accounting and Finance Systems function, playing a central role in delivering high-quality financial operations, strengthening financial controls, and driving continuous improvement across systems and processes. In this role, you will oversee critical areas including statutory reporting, treasury management, and financial systems, while supporting organisational decision-making through your technical expertise and insight. You will also lead and develop a dedicated team, helping to build capability and deliver excellence in a fast-paced and evolving environment. If you are motivated by the opportunity to influence change, enhance financial governance, and contribute to the efficient and effective use of public resources, we would encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Month-End and Year-End Processes: Lead the timely closure of accounting periods, ensuring all journals are accurately recorded, balance sheet accounts (including control accounts) are fully reconciled, and all internal control processes are completed within agreed timescales.
- Statutory Reporting: Support the preparation and review of annual statutory financial statements, ensuring full compliance with the FReM, SPFM, and IFRS standards. Ensure all supporting working papers are robust, clearly documented, and able to withstand detailed audit scrutiny.
- Process Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities to enhance accounting systems, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of financial processes. Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives where appropriate.
- Technical Accounting: Provide expert technical accounting advice to both finance and non-finance stakeholders, including guidance on the implications of decisions and changes in accounting standards (e.g. IFRS 16).
- Leadership and Management: Provide effective leadership to the Financial Accounting and Finance Systems team, including setting clear expectations, supporting professional development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
- Financial Policy: Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of COPFS financial policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practice and regulatory requirements.
- Finance Systems: Act as the lead system administrator for core financial systems, ensuring appropriate system controls, performance, and service levels are maintained. Oversee and support the implementation of system upgrades and enhancements as required.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required as appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with strong knowledge of public sector accounting requirements, including FReM, SPFM and IFRS Accounting standards. They will demonstrate the ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work to tight deadlines, while effectively planning and prioritising both their own workload and that of their team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. The role requires technical competence in balance sheet reconciliations and financial control, alongside experience of financial systems and a proactive approach to process improvement. Candidates will also demonstrate sound judgement, integrity, and an awareness of financial and reputational risks, with the ability to support and develop others within a team environment.
Applicants must use the additional information section of the application to detail their qualification, which should be fully qualified accountant with full membership of one of the CCAB member bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland) or CIMA. Applicants who do not include this information will not be eligible to progress to the next stage of recruitment. Please note that part qualified applicants will not be eligible.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant
Memberships
- CCAB recognised bodies or CIMA
Behaviours
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
- Fully qualified accountant with full membership to a recognised CCAB or CIMA professional body
- Skilled in using finance systems and tools (preferably including Sun and Q&A) with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other MS applications
Senior Financial Accountant in Edinburgh employer: The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)
Join a dynamic public sector organisation in Edinburgh, where your expertise as a Senior Financial Accountant will not only enhance financial governance but also contribute to the efficient use of public resources. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and continuous improvement, offering you the chance to lead a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive environment, this role provides an exceptional opportunity for growth and influence within the public sector.
Contact Details:
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant in Edinburgh
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant in Edinburgh
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 The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)
✨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 The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
✨Prepare for Case Studies
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) 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.
