Scottish Prison Service
Management Accountant
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12-Month Fixed Term Accountant (Strategic Finance Planning & Analysis) – Scottish Prison Service
About the Role
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) oversees the secure custody of around 8,000 individuals across Scotland, with a mission to build a safer Scotland through transforming lives. The organisation prioritises its people, recognising their commitment as critical to frontline service delivery.
This role, reporting to the Strategic Finance Planning & Analysis (SFP&A) Manager, involves coordinating and supporting the annual financial planning cycle, ensuring budgets align with funding obligations while delivering robust financial oversight.
The position supports SPS Headquarters in Edinburgh with the flexibility to travel to other sites, alongside potential hybrid working arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Compliance
- Coordinate and review the annual financial planning process, ensuring adherence to Budget Statement Funding through structured approvals.
- Query, challenge, and scrutinise monthly budget submissions from Finance Managers, analysing variances and recommending remedial actions.
- Prepare and present financial reports at monthly/quarterly budget meetings with Finance Business Partners.
- Deputy to the SFP&A Manager, including managing line management responsibilities for the Assistant Management Accountant as required.
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Management Reporting & Statutory Obligations
- Generate and analyse monthly management accounts, reporting significant budgetary deviations while advising on corrective measures.
- Support the completion of SPS’ statutory accounts per IFRS standards, including:
- Reviewing and authorising asset forms.
- Preparing financial performance disclosures.
- Contribute to Scottish Government reporting, including:
- Monthly corporate budget positions and forecast outturns.
- Preparation of Autumn & Spring Budget Revisions (SBR & ABR).
- Budget profiling for oversight bodies.
Strategic Financial Support
- Provide specialist guidance on critical financial areas, such as:
- Budgeting/forecasting risks and opportunities.
- Capital accounting and delegations.
- Enable decision-making through scenario planning and data-driven analysis for SPS leadership.
Requirements & Eligibility
Qualifications & Professional Body
- Membership or near-qualification with a recognised accountancy body (e.g., ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA).
Essential Experience
✚ Financial Planning & Analysis
- Proven experience in coordinating and managing budgets, with a focus on constructive analysis, scrutiny, and challenge of financial plans.
- Ability to support a broad team in compliance with financial policies.
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✚ Budget Management & Reporting
- Knowledge of public sector financial systems, including Scottish Prisons Service (SPS) processes.
- Advanced Excel proficiency for statistical modelling and reporting.
✚ Management Experience
- Finance function management experience, with strong delegation and timescale adherence skills.
✚ Statutory Accounting
- Experience in supporting IFRS-based statutory accounts, including asset notes and disclosure schedules.
Benefits
| Operational | Wellbeing/Rewards |
|---|---|
| Hybrid working option | Civil Service Pension – Attractive rates |
| Storage of/page anting | Free gym membership |
| Professional development opportunities | Car parking provided |
| Career progression | Discounts (high-street, supermarkets, restaurants via Blue Light Card & Civil Service Sports Council) |
| 37 days annual leave (rising to 42 days) | Competitive sick pay |
📄 For further details, including the full job description and person specification, visit the [Scottish Prison Service website](insert link). 📅 Application deadline: 8 July 2026.
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