Senior Financial Accountant

Scottish Prison Service; Headquarters; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee the financial reporting function. This role involves managing statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with financial standards, and leading a team. The ideal candidate has strong public sector accounting experience and is a member of a recognised professional body. Based at headquarters in Edinburgh, with some travel required.

Qualifications

• Significant knowledge and experience of public sector accounting requirements, especially statutory accounts.
• Experience in financial reporting functions: accounts payable, treasury, inventory and VAT.
• Previous management experience within a Finance function with the ability to lead projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prepare Statutory Accounts in compliance with IFRS and FReM.
• Support SPS Directors in financial management and compliant practices.
• Develop relevant financial reporting using financial management systems.

Skills

Public sector accounting knowledge

Financial reporting experience

Management skills

Knowledge of IFRS and HM Treasury guidelines

Education

Membership of a recognised professional accountancy body (ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA)

Tools

Financial management system (Agresso)

Job description

Overview

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

Qualification Requirements

Membership of a recognised professional accountancy body e.g. ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA. (essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 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)