Senior Financial Accountant

NHS Scotland; Carstairs; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High Secure Environmental Allowance

Job summary

NHS Scotland is seeking a Band 6 finance professional (pro rata) to lead financial processes and capital accounting for the Board. The role includes managing statutory VAT, NI, and pension returns, and supporting the year-end accounts.

You will work with the Legal Office and Scottish Government on funding for capital projects and claims. The post requires a degree or equivalent NHS/public sector experience, strong communication, and staff leadership.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a similar role, preferable within the NHS or public sector environment, or able to demonstrate equivalent competencies, knowledge, or experience.
• Advanced knowledge of public sector Capital Accounting Manual
• Specialist NHS VAT knowledge to ensure VAT treatment in statutory returns

Responsibilities

• Support the Board’s key financial processes, ensuring these are carried out in an efficient and timely manner, in accordance with Board's statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Lead on all financial aspects of legal claims and coordinate with the Central Legal Office and Scottish Government for funding.
• Assist with capital accounting, asset management, and system management.
• Provide information for capital financial planning activities and revenue reporting in support of annual financial plans.
• Develop high-quality financial services within the Board’s governance framework and ensure compliance with standards.
• Maintain financial controls within governance guidelines and support internal/external audits.
• Deputise for the Deputy Director of Finance as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership / staff development

Financial reporting standards

NHS VAT knowledge

Capital accounting knowledge

IT skills with Cedar

Confidentiality & discretion

Education

A relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Cedar

Financial reporting tools

Job description

AfC Band 6 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata)

Hours 21.6

Contract Duration Fixed Term, 12 months

Post Details

Support the Board’s key financial processes, ensuring these are carried out in an efficient and timely manner, in accordance with Boards statutory and regulatory requirements. Assist with the production of the templates and word document for the year-end statutory annual accounts, and all statutory returns in relation to income tax, VAT, national insurance and superannuation.

• Play a key role in supporting the implementation of the NHS Scotland Business Services Programme, helping to deliver transformational changes to the finance system.
• Provide support to the management of the Financial Accounting Team and Patient Funds/Bank staff.
• Lead on all financial aspects of legal claims and works with the Central Legal Office and Scottish Government (SG) in ensuring these are appropriately funded
• Assist with the operational element of all capital accounting, and asset management including system management
• Provision of information for capital financial planning activities and revenue activities of the Board, in support of annual financial plans’ preparation and implementation, and accurate and timely reporting against these.
• Assist in the management and development of high-quality financial services and systems within the Board in compliance with the Boards corporate governance framework, statutory and professional responsibilities and standards.
• Ensure that financial controls are maintained within the Board corporate governance guidelines
• Provide quality information in support of internal and external audit, and to other stakeholders as required, including service agreements / contracts with other NHSScotland boards.
• Deputise for the Deputy Director of Finance as required.

Experience

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a similar role, preferable within the NHS or public sector environment, or able to demonstrate equivalent competencies, knowledge, or experience.
• Ability to exercise initiative and seek alternative solutions (workarounds).
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and written at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to prioritise work and work on own initiative whilst under pressure.
• Experience of managing and developing staff.
• In-depth knowledge of Financial Reporting Standards
• Specialist NHS Vat knowledge required to ensure appropriate Vat treatment has been applied in statutory returns
• Advanced knowledge of public sector Capital Accounting Manual
• Proficient IT skills including a working knowledge of Cedar & financial systems reporting tools.
• Extensive knowledge of financial reporting and statutory NHS requirements.
• Ensuring confidentiality, diplomacy and discretion are maintained all times

Why Join Us?

This is a key leadership role within a highly committed Finance team, offering the opportunity to influence financial planning at a strategic level and support highquality specialist services within NHS Scotland. You will work in a supportive environment that values accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 4th October 2026.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older.

Right to Work

To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.

Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence

Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.