Assistant Director, Strategic Finance (Grade M1)

In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of strategic financial planning, analysis and advice, informing decisions at senior management, executive and Board level. Provide effective financial leadership, governance and assurance, supporting the delivery of SFC's objectives and the proper use of public funds. Virtual interviews will be held week commencing 23 November 2026 (via Teams).

Responsibilities

Provide strategic financial advice, insight and understanding to the Deputy Director, Financial Planning & Analysis, and senior colleagues, informing organisational choices and responses to Scottish Government commissions; Drive the development of Spending Review submissions and related strategic financial analysis, coordinating input across directorates and engagement with the Scottish Government on funding priorities, pressures and budget settlements; Lead the production of monthly Executive Team reporting, integrating financial performance, forecasts, analysis and key risks to support strategic decision-making; Support the Other Programme Funds Group by providing strategic insight, analysis and advice to inform decision-making in a changing funding environment, working closely with the Deputy Director, Financial Controller on affordability; Take account of the post-16 funding reform programme, ensuring financial systems and processes can support new responsibilities transferring from SDS to SFC; Provide appropriate advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders; Present on financial matters to the Executive, Finance Committee, and Audit and Risk Committee, and engage with senior Scottish Government stakeholders; Deputise for the Deputy Director, Financial Planning & Analysis as appropriate

Requirements

Professionally qualified accountant, or qualified by experience, with substantial strategic finance and financial management experience; Proven leadership and management skills, with a track record of developing effective teams, leading change, fostering a customer-focused culture, and driving continuous improvement in finance services; Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyse complex issues, exercise sound judgement and translate financial information into clear, pragmatic advice for non-finance audiences; Proven ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to change and maintain a strategic, organisational-wide focus; Strong financial systems, data analysis and IT skills, with the ability to use complex financial information to identify trends, assess risks and opportunities, and support strategic planning and resource allocation decisions; Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with experience of building effective relationships and working confidently with senior internal and external stakeholders; Experience of presenting financial information and advice effectively at Executive Team, and committee or Board level

Nice to have

Good understanding of the Scottish Government policy, public finance and operating environment

Benefits

Normal full-time hours of 35 per week with flexible working arrangements and flexi-time system; Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata; Flexible hybrid working, including working from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time; Annual pay review within the Scottish Government's Public Sector Pay Policy; Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%; Support for continuous professional development through Civil Service Learning; Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Special Leave, Lifelong Learning Fund, free winter flu vaccination and occupational health support; Volunteering Days; Support for travel to work, including salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage, shower facilities, interest-free season ticket loan and free office car parking on a first-come basis