Assistant Director - Institutional Sustainability & Governance - Finance (GIST)
To lead, manage and develop a group of Senior Financial Analysts and Finance Trainees within the Governance, Infrastructure and Sustainability team (GIST). To provide advice and support on financial, governance and wider policy matters to the sectors, Scottish Government and other internal and external stakeholders.
GIST is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the financial health of institutions in a timely manner so it can be used to inform SFC operations. It is also responsible for building strong relationships with institutions and holding them to account and supporting them in their effective financial management, long-term financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Deputy Director, Institutional Sustainability & Capital, lead, manage and develop a group of Senior Financial Analysts and Finance Trainees within the Governance, Infrastructure & Sustainability Team, taking responsibility for planning and delivering their programme of work to monitor and report on institutions’ financial health and financial governance for SFC.This includes supporting the team in managing a discrete portfolio of institutions and technical specialisms.
Ensure that the effective review and analysis of institutional financial health is carried out in full compliance with professional accountancy principles and practices (Statement of Recommended Practice etc.), SFC policy and strategy, and Scottish Government Financial guidance (e.g. the Scottish Public Finance Manual). This includes, as necessary, seeking expert external advice from specialists – e.g. legal advisors – to help inform recommendations and proposed actions.
Through developing a business partnering approach, build strong relationships with institutions and support them in their effective financial management, long-term financial planning, budgeting and forecasting. This also includes: supporting and challenging institutions’ financial business cases and investment appraisals.
working with SFC colleagues (particularly the Access, Learning & Outcomes team) to support institutions in finding solutions to complex business issues.deepening our capacity for explanation and analysis to enhance our understanding of institutions and options available for the future.
To provide authoritative financial and governance advice to SFC, the sectors, and the Scottish Government, share and promote good practice. For example, in relation to: college severance guidance; disposals of assets which have been paid for with money from the taxpayer; adherence to FE/HE governance codes; and the interpretation of government accounting and budgetary guidance.
Draft concise and impactful reports and provide any other appropriate information in a timely manner to the Executive Team, SFC Board and its committees, on the financial health and governance of the sectors. This is to inform SFC operations and ensure that the Council and key stakeholders are aware of the developing landscape of the sectors, including any specific concerns.
Working with the Deputy Director, lead engagement with a range of stakeholders at a senior level such as colleges, universities, the Scottish Government, external auditors, UK funding bodies and other SFC directorates. This includes representing SFC in negotiations and discussions with a wide range of external stakeholders on matters concerning sector financial health and governance.
As a member of management, develop the team’s business plan and contribute to wider Finance & Funding Directorate and SFC strategy and programme of change.
It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEFully qualified accountant with a minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience due to level of understanding and professional judgement required
Strong understanding of business analysis, planning, budgeting, audit and financial and non-financial control issues
Understanding of the Scottish and UK Government budgeting and accounting requirements and guidance
Understanding of technical accounting issues, with up-to-date knowledge of UK accounting and auditing standards and governance codes
Proven ability to lead, manage and develop staff
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills - ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex financial and governance issues to those with a non-financial background
Highly organised – to manage self and work of team to meet changing organisational priorities
Excellent people skills and track record in forming and maintaining effective working relationships with staff across a wide range of stakeholders including institutions, Scottish Government, SFC and Regional Strategic Bodies (RSBs)
Ability to manage priorities and diverse workload in an area subject to close political media, and stakeholder scrutiny
Ability to think and operate strategically
Highly effective oral and written communication skills
Excellent numeracy skills
Proficient in desk-top software packages particularly Advanced Excel skills
DESIRABLE SKILLSUnderstanding of current governance, leadership and management (including financial management) and other relevant issues in further and higher education
Comprehensive understanding of public sector and the role of an NDPB
Experience in, and management of, business analysis, finance, and financial and management systems
Good understanding of operational practices in finance departments
Knowledge of current employment law and procurement issues
Evidence of continuous personal, professional, leadership and management development and its application in the workplace.
Previous experience of finance business partnering