Scottish Funding Council
Finance Policy Officer (Grade E2, Maternity Cover)
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Finance Policy Officer (Grade E2, Maternity Cover)
Senior Financial Analyst – Fixed Term Maternity Cover (Finance Directorate)
Application Deadline: 5 July 2026 Department: Finance Location: Edinburgh – Hybrid Compensation: £40,965 to £48,243 per annum (E2 Grade, Civil Service salary scale) Civil Service Pension (with 28.97% employer contribution) Flexible working hours Hybrid working
About the Role
Our ambition is to make Scotland the best place in the world to learn, educate, research, and innovate, enabling our nation to flourish.
Our Scottish Funding Council (SFC)'s purpose is to deliver a world-leading system of tertiary education, research, and innovation that changes lives, enriches society, and supports sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
This fixed-term maternity cover role within the Finance Directorate will support key financial priorities during a period of significant organisational transition. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance and collaborating with the wider Finance Leadership Team, you will contribute to project activities ensuring effective financial operations and enabling smooth integration of new processes and responsibilities into SFC systems.
You will help maintain continuity of critical finance functions, including:
- Project coordination
- Data assurance
- Stakeholder engagement
- High-quality analysis and reporting to inform senior decision-making
Expected end date: March 2027 (maternity leave cover only).
Key Responsibilities
You will work flexibly across the Finance Directorate, sustaining collaborative, efficient, and well-governed financial services throughout the maternity leave period.
The Finance team oversees all financial processes at SFC, managing an annual spend of approximately £2bn. Your role will involve close engagement with:
- Director of Finance
- Finance Leadership Team
- SFC business areas
Core Duties Include:
- Work collaboratively within a team and report to the Deputy Director, supporting the development and implementation of Finance priorities.
- Plan and coordinate the entire Annual Report and Accounts (ARA) process, including:
- Project management
- Organisational oversight
- Commission initiation
- Data quality assurance protocols
- Governance process maintenance
- Successful delivery of ARA outcomes
- Manage capacity and workload, ensuring effective workstream prioritisation and project delivery.
- Advise, guide, and develop strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, including:
- Financial modelling and policy alignment
- Cross-group collaboration on policies, programmes, and projects
- Promote teamwork and clear communication across roles, identifying efficiency improvements.
- Facilitate data analysis, providing actionable reports to senior management, committees, and stakeholders.
- Support the preparation of reports, papers, and presentations as required.
- Contribute flexibly to the Finance Directorate and other relevant SFC groups, as needed.
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Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential criteria must be evidenced through your CV and cover letter:
Compulsory Requirements
- Degree-level education (or equivalent) or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Project management experience, including:
- Initiating, planning, and managing diverse projects.
- A proactive approach to identifying information gaps and sourcing solutions.
- Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the tertiary education sector, including:
- Understanding of university and college funding cycles.
- Comprehensive awareness of SFC’s operations and how they align with its strategic mission.
- Excellent time management skills, with a track record of:
- Effective prioritisation, aligning with directorate business plans.
- Confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
- Judgement, initiative, and resourcefulness in designing practical solutions.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to motivate and engage teams.
- Independent or teamworking capabilities, paired with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Advanced IT proficiency, particularly:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Ability to thrive under pressure, meeting deadlines while maintaining high performance.
- Capacity to analyse, interpret, and present complex information to diverse stakeholders.
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Terms & Benefits
Working Conditions
- Standard full-time hours: 35 per week (with flexibility assessed).
- Holistic support for flexible working arrangements available.
Incentives
- Annual leave: 30 days prorata + 13 days privilege/public holistic leave prorata.
- Hybrid working model: Flexible UK workplace options while maintaining regular in-person engagement.
- Annual pay review in line with Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy (negotiated with Unite).
- Civil Service Pension Scheme:
- Low member contribution rates (28.97% employer contribution).
- Guaranteed, inflation-proof pension for life.
- Partnership pension account available.
- Professional development through:
- Sustained support for continuous learning.
- Accessibly designed Civil Service Learning curriculum.
- Engaged health and wellbeing strategy:
- Generous occupational sick pay.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (confidential advisory support).
- Special leave (paid/unpaid).
- Annual LLF allowance for learning outside of work.
- Free winter flu vaccination.
- Occupational health support.
- Volunteering days for employees.
- Sustainable commute support, including:
- Cycle loan scheme (salary sacrifice).
- Secure cycle storage & shower facilities.
- Interest-free e-bike/season ticket loan (bus/rail).
- Free office parking (space available).
Flexibilities Offered
- Part-time roles considered at request.
- Compressed hour arrangements negotiated around candidate’s circumstances (e.g., caring responsibilities).
- Secondment applications evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- To explore secondment opportunities, contact: recruitment@sfc.ac.uk.
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