Description Are you ready to apply your technical accounting expertise to tackle complex issues and address emerging accounting challenges within the Scottish Government and beyond? We are seeking application for Financial Accountant to support the Accountancy Services team in driving continued application of best practice accounting associated with effective decision making and the stewardship of public money, by ensuring the correct application of accounting and budgeting standards to expenditure and to spending proposals. The role is technical but does not operate in isolation: one prize is ensuring that the implementation of accounting standards delivers excellent financial reporting on the stewardship of public funds, and another is ensuring that decisions about complex delivery arrangements and operations can be made with a full understanding of the financial consequences within the framework in which the Scottish Government operates. 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. Responsibilities Responsibilities Using your technical accounting knowledge on the consideration of complex accounting issues and the escalation of accounting issues emerging in the Scottish Government or elsewhere, including engaging with auditors. Providing ‘Relevant authority’ support to the Technical Accounting Lead across Financial Reporting Advisory Board (FRAB) related activities including thematic reviews and the implications of new accounting standards and change to the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) to support and influence key finance stakeholders on correct accounting and budgeting treatments to be applied. Applying your technical knowledge to ensure that key internal accounting policies remain up to date and to identify areas of improvement on accounting and budgeting issues, promoting consistent application access the Scottish Government. Supporting the technical accounting lead to ensure clear and succinct technical advice is delivered to finance colleagues across the Scottish Government. Establishing and supporting a virtual team of key colleagues to ensure that the wider fiscal implications of the UK public expenditure framework are factored into decision-making. Supporting financial reporting projects, including Whole of Government accounts and Scottish Public Sector accounts and other transparency developments. Working in and across teams on a project-basis and supporting technical development of staff across the Finance Profession. Qualifications Qualifications The successful candidate must be fully CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with up-to-date CPD. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Financial Management and Reporting – Practitioner Level. Analysis and Use of Evidence – Practitioner Level. Understanding of international accounting standards – Practitioner Level. You can find out more about the skills required here: The Career Framework (civilservice.gov.uk) To access the skills capture tool you will be required to register with OneFinance, which is a website available to civil and public servants only. Experience: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to explain financial information clearly and concisely, influencing key stakeholders and maintaining strong working relationships. Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions – Level 3. Developing self and others – Level 3. Working Together – Level 3. Delivering at pace – Level 3. You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here. How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and (insert assessment type). Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17 February 2025 however this may be subject to change. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before: 12 February 2025 (23:59)