At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and support strategic initiatives for value-driven outcomes.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland's dynamic Finance Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring financial efficiency and supporting key decision-makers.
- Qualifications: Must be CCAB qualified with strong financial management experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor staff and work flexibly across a collaborative team.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role is embedded in the National Records of Scotland (NRS) Finance Team, part of the Corporate Services Directorate. It offers a unique opportunity to work with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including NRS Senior Management and Budget Managers, to ensure the delivery of value for money outcomes. The post holder will need a proactive and flexible approach to meet key strategic priorities and will work directly to the Programme Finance Lead (C1).
Responsibilities
- Support initiatives to ensure NRS recovers costs for services through fees and charges in a compliant and cost‑effective manner, and where appropriate, support commercial ventures.
- Lead on financial management, specifically income management: revenue budget and forecast, production of monthly management accounts, investigation and reporting on significant variances, recommendation of remedial actions to deliver a balanced financial position, and monitoring implementation.
- Support effective financial management by providing finance and business support to the Corporate Finance Lead and Programme Finance Lead, and by giving specialist advice to senior managers and budget holders on key financial information, including costing and pricing of NRS services.
- Support the production and publication of the NRS Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting policies and engagement with external auditors.
- Proactively identify efficiencies in systems and processes, ensuring financial controls are adequate and continually improving to deliver value for money.
- Line manage and mentor staff, ensuring they have the support, knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively.
- Ensure guidance, regulation and legislation are adhered to, including the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) and the UK Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM); review procedures, implement auditors’ recommendations and provide effective support and delegation of responsibilities and tasks to staff.
- Work flexibly across the Finance Team, taking on a range of other work as required to ensure that priorities are met.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must be fully CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with up‑to‑date CPD. Successful candidates must also complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
Technical / Professional Skills
- Budgeting, Forecasting and Costing – Practitioner Level
- Understanding of International Accounting Standards – Working Level
- Government Financial Management – Practitioner Level
- Working with Data in Finance – Practitioner Level
Experience
- Strong financial management experience with the ability to identify, generate and interrogate financial data to support decision making, including in relation to costing and pricing.
- Ability to interpret non‑financial information to inform financial decision making, including regulatory and standards.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to explain financial information clearly and concisely, influencing key stakeholders and maintaining strong working relationships.
- Evidence of people management and interpersonal skills, being credible with staff and creating conditions to build confident and effective teams.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions (Level 3)
- Delivering at Pace (Level 3)
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Senior Finance Business Partner employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the NRS. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the NRS and its financial strategies. Show us you understand their goals and how you can contribute to delivering value for money outcomes. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Finance Business Partner. Highlight your financial management experience and any relevant qualifications, like being CCAB qualified. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at NRS. Be sure to mention your proactive approach and how you can contribute to delivering value for money outcomes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can explain complex financial information effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets and forecasts effectively.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
This role involves working with various stakeholders, so be prepared to talk about your experience in building relationships. Think of specific instances where you influenced decision-making or provided valuable insights to senior management. Show them you can communicate complex financial information clearly.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
The job description highlights the need for a proactive approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've identified efficiencies or improved processes in your past roles. This will show that you're not just reactive but can also drive change and add value.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be line managing and mentoring staff, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your management style and how you've supported team members in their development. Highlight any successful projects where you led a team to achieve financial goals.