Senior Financial Accountant

NHS National Services Scotland; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

NHS Scotland is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to support key financial processes and year-end reporting. The role covers capital accounting, asset management, and regulatory reporting within a high-security environment.

The successful candidate will supervise the Financial Accounting Team, ensure robust financial controls, and liaise with internal/external auditors. Fixed-term, 12 months, pro rata for 21.6 hours.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance/Accounting or equivalent experience.
• Experience with financial reporting standards in the public sector.
• Specialist NHS VAT knowledge to ensure VAT treatment.
• Ability to lead and develop staff in a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Support Board's key financial processes in line with statutory/regulatory requirements.
• Assist with year-end statutory accounts preparation and statutory returns (income tax, VAT, NI, superannuation).
• Lead all financial aspects of legal claims with Central Legal Office/Scottish Government.
• Manage capital accounting and asset management including system management.
• Provide information for capital planning and revenue reporting and annual financial plans.

Skills

Financial reporting

NHS/public sector accounting

VAT knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

Cedar

Financial systems reporting tools

Job description

Senior Financial Accountant

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, preferably 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 high‑quality 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.

Please contact the HR Team on [e-mail].

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. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact [e-mail]

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.