Overview
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Location: Headquarters
Pay Band: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Salary: £59,798 – £65,786
Closing Date: 2025-10-01
Hours of Work: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Job Purpose:
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for the management of the SPS Financial Reporting function, including payment of creditors, treasury function, inventory management, VAT and all statutory reporting (including NFI and PSRA), ensuring that all tasks within the Financial Policy and Services department are carried out within agreed timescales.
You will be responsible for the management of SPS’ Statutory financial accounts, ensuring that they are completed within agreed timescales and in accordance with relevant legislation, the Scottish Public Finance Manual and accounting standards and that they withstand detailed audit scrutiny.
You will provide advice and support to the Head of Finance. You will also provide specialist advice to senior managers and Directors on key strategic financial issues including current legislation and external audit compliance.
You will have line management responsibility for a number of staff within the Financial Reporting team.
The role is based within the SPS Headquarters, situated in Edinburgh, however there may be a requirement for you to travel to other SPS sites and locations, and potentially some home working.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for the timely and accurate management and preparation of the Statutory Accounts, ensuring compliance with relevant International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and HM Treasury Financial Reporting Manual (FReM). Completion and submission of the consolidation pack to the Scottish Government.
Support SPS Directors and the Chief Executive in the financial management of SPS, ensuring that the delegated financial framework is in place to allow delegated accountable officers to make financial commitments reflecting the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
Providing high quality, reliable, accurate and timely financial information both internally and externally, including providing advice on current legislation and external audit compliance and risk management. Draft responses for Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information for your area of responsibility.
Establishing and maintaining close effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including, as appropriate, government departments, Internal Audit and External Auditors.
Develop accurate and relevant financial reporting utilising SPS’ financial management system (Agresso).
Responsible for the management of the SPS Financial Reporting function and for the development and implementation of SPS financial policies and procedures in your area of responsibility – in particular the Finance Policy Manual.
Person Specification
SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them , you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.
Qualifications Requirements
Membership of a recognised professional accountancy body e.g. ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA. (essential)
Experience Requirements
Knowledge Skills Requirements
ACCOUNTANCY EXPERIENCE: Significant knowledge and experience of public sector accounting requirements, specifically in the production of statutory accounts. (essential)
FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE: Experience of all aspects of a financial reporting function i.e. accounts payable, treasury, inventory and VAT, including using a financial computer system. (essential)
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE: Previous management experience within a Finance function with the ability to successfully manage people and lead projects at a senior level. (essential)
FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of current legislation, governing financial transactions such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), HMRC and Public Services Reform Act etc. (essential)
Selection Methods Please refer to full job description on SPS career site.
