Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Edinburgh, is currently looking to recruit a Head of Finance & Procurement for an initial 8 month contract on a rate of £32.85/hour PAYE – working 9am-5pm. This role will be hybrid working.
 
Responsibilities:
 
– Lead and manage the organisation’s finance function, including financial accounting, financial planning, procurement, loan book reporting, fraud and recoveries, and programme financial management.
– Provide authoritative professional advice to the Chief Executive, Directors, ARAC and the Board on all aspects of financial governance, risk, controls, investment decisions and budget sustainability.
– Prepare the Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with the FReM, SPFM and relevant legislative and audit requirements.
– Lead on planning, forecasting and in-year budget management, ensuring accurate reporting.
– Liaise with Audit Scotland and Internal Audit throughout the year, providing evidence, responses and assurances on audit recommendations.
– Present complex financial information to a range of audiences, supporting organisational decision making and ensuring senior leaders have clear, timely insight into financial risks and opportunities.
– Exercise senior responsibility for procurement and contract oversight, ensuring alignment with relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
– Support major programmes by providing financial scrutiny, risk advice and integration with programme governance.
– Lead, develop and motivate finance teams, embedding a learning culture and ensuring the team is equipped to meet statutory, technical and organisational requirements.
 
Essential Skills:
 
– Be a fully qualified accountant, with relevant qualification in an accountancy environment with up to date CPD.
– Strong technical expertise in financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting.
– A proven understanding of the FReM, SPFM and audit requirements, ideally in a public sector organisation.
– The ability to analyse financial proposals, advise on policy implications and ensure robust financial governance.
– Extensive experience operating at a senior level in a finance environment, preferably within the public sector.
– Experience leading high quality financial reporting, statutory accounts and external audit engagement.
– Executive experience in budget and business planning aligned with corporate objectives.
– Ability to work in a complex and ambiguous financial landscape, providing clear advice and insight to senior stakeholders.
– Strong communication and influencing skills.
– Experience leading teams through periods of significant operational pressure and organisational change.
– Experience supporting or leading major programmes and financial scrutiny of change activity.
 
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.