Description Looking for a challenge in a fast paced financial environment? The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland. The Agency administers these public service pension schemes on behalf of Scottish Ministers to over 640,000 members with annual payments of over £3.7 billion, together with the related agency administration expenditure of c. £31 million. SPPA's Finance function delivers a complete financial management, reporting, and treasury service combined with responsibility for finance transactions with members and employers, to ensure the delivery of value for money outcomes. As Principal Finance Manager, you will have responsibility for the financial transactions (expenditure, income and employer contributions), as well as the procurement function, for the Agency and on behalf of the pension schemes which the Agency administers. Your technical knowledge, insight and ability to work constructively with people at all grades will make you a valued contributor to the decision-making process and a champion for change. You will need to establish and develop effective working relationships with a number of stakeholders across Scottish Public Pensions Agency and wider Finance Profession. Responsibilities Managing core finance operations e.g. Accounting Systems, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll and Procurement in an efficient, effective manner, whilst ensuring appropriate financial control assurance. Developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures for change control, in compliance with government standards. Playing a key role in improvement projects, ensuring process changes are in line with financial operations policies and aligned to business planning objectives. Use insight and MI to effectively manage performance. Design and manage change that allows more flexibility, responsiveness and improved service delivery Support finance managers, leading by example to develop and coach, delegating as appropriate, with the aim of developing a high performing team. Leading a small team of procurement staff in the development, planning and implementation of procurement projects for budget holders to continually improve customer service and value for money whilst delivering sustainable benefits in line with procurement policy. You will have direct line managerial responsibility for two Senior Finance Managers (Expenditure and Income; Procurement). Responsibilities Qualifications Qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent, or willing to work towards qualification, or extensive financial expertise. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Strategic Financial Analysis - Practitioner You can find out more about the skills required here: Finance Profession Capability Framework.xlsx or here: Skills Capture Tool Experience: Ability to build strong networks and partnerships and experience of engaging or negotiating with and influencing key stakeholders to maximise collaboration. Strong planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage a diverse workload and team, and able to adapt to changing situations and manage competing priorities. A track record in leading and managing teams to deliver a range of finance and/or management functions. Demonstrating effective leadership and delegation skills and the ability to develop and motivate staff. Behaviours: Leadership - (Level 4) Making Effective Decisions - (Level 4) Communicating and Influencing - (Level 4) Delivering at Pace - (Level 4) You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1,500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 4th August however this may be subject to change. Qualifications About Us The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Its principal role is to administer the pensions, premature retirement and injury benefits schemes for employees of the National Health Service in Scotland (NHSSS) the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme (STSS), the Fire Scotland Pension Scheme and the Police Scotland Pension Scheme. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on-site at SPPA. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply Before: 6th July (23:59)