Assistant Finance Manager

Description:

You will be adaptable and responsive to change, contributing to the continuous improvement of the team as it evolves to maximise the benefits of the new shared services system, which is planned to go live later in 2024.

The nature of the work is such that a key requirement of the role is a flexible and adaptable approach to managing tasks and programmes of work, with an ability to adapt quickly to change, in partnership with colleagues across the Team, Division, Directorate and wider Scottish Government community.

You will contribute to the budget monitoring and monthly finance reports of certain areas within the Scottish Government which enable senior officials to make informed decisions based on timely and high-quality financial information. Communication and effective stakeholder relationships are an essential aspect of the role, as Finance Teams are the link between business areas and the wider Corporate Reporting Division.

You will report to a B3 Finance Manager and will have direct line management responsibility for a more junior member of the team, either a trainee accountant or Finance Officer.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a corporate setting at the heart of the Scottish Government. You’ll be joining an innovative, forward-looking division with a vision to apply global best practice, and a commitment to support all staff grow their professional knowledge, skills, and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the timely and accurate completion of budget monitoring and reporting exercises and provide management with robust information and explanations to assist them in making informed decisions.
• Provision of high quality monthly financial reports to senior officials, influencing and challenging budget-holders, assisting them to make informed decisions.
• Support the provision of regular, high quality financial information and analysis, developing and using knowledge and expertise of local business and policy issues to challenge business returns and provide expert advice to resolve the root cause of issues.
• Contribute to the work of the Finance Team, overseeing the work of more junior team members, to ensure successful delivery of monthly and ad-hoc financial exercises, and driving forward efficiencies from the new system.
• Provide financial advice and assistance to stakeholders, and build and maintain effective working relationships with business areas.
• Contribute to the completion and quality assurance of areas’ input for the annual accounts in accordance with the corporate timetable. Ensure that working papers provide a full audit trail and are retained and easily accessible during the audit process.
• Engage with colleagues across the Financial Management Directorate, in business areas, and bodies to work effectively together to deliver corporate financial exercises.