This role sits within the Finance and Corporate Services (FCS) Directorate which is one of nine directorates within the agency. FCS consists of three functions – Corporate Services, Finance and Sponsorship, and the role holder will be expected to work cross-functionally to provide the best service offer to stakeholders.
As Head of Finance, you will lead the Transport Scotland Finance function which sits at the heart of the organisation and consists of 27 staff. This team covers a range of core finance functions including finance business partnering, provision of technical and strategic financial advice on the Transport portfolio, financial planning and reporting, delivery of the annual accounts and audit assurance, accounts payable, systems and corporate reporting.
In this role you will develop and maintain effective working relationships across FCS, Transport Scotland Directors, sponsored public bodies and Scottish Government, engaging with senior stakeholders to understand financial issues and provide effective and evidenced financial advice. The role holder will strengthen the financial culture across Transport Scotland and continually seek to drive improvements to the finance service offer.
A suitable candidate will have a strong background and knowledge of finance and budgeting within the public sector, as well as a proven track record of delivering results in financial management, providing sound strategic advice, and excellent leadership and people management skills.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic financial leadership for the £4bn transport portfolio, ensuring robust financial management, high quality analysis, and timely reporting to senior stakeholders, Scottish Government Finance, the Cabinet Secretary and Scottish Ministers. Safeguard statutory compliance, value for money, and evidence-based decision making, Quality analysis, and timely reporting to senior stakeholders, Scottish Government Finance, the Cabinet Secretary and Scottish Ministers. Safeguard statutory compliance, value for money, and evidence based decision making. quality analysis, and timely reporting to senior stakeholders, Scottish Government Finance, the Cabinet Secretary and Scottish Ministers. Safeguard statutory compliance, value for money, and evidence based decision making.
* Lead and oversee the full finance budget cycle, including annual budget setting and fiscal events, delivering clear strategic advice to senior leaders and Ministers. Ensure Transport Scotland's vision and government priorities are fully integrated into sustainable financial strategies.
* Champion risk and assurance, maintaining strong financial controls and reporting systems, and leading engagement with Audit Scotland. Oversee the production of the Annual Report and Accounts and all statutory financial returns, ensuring accuracy, transparency and compliance with all relevant regulations.
* Partner with HR to develop and implement the workforce strategy, including delegation of workforce and non pay budgets. Support senior leaders to optimise resources within a constrained fiscal environment.
* Lead a high-performing Finance Business Partnering function, driving financial ownership, capability, and accountability across Transport Scotland.
* Manage a high quality accounts payable service, meeting required payment timescales and maintaining strong supplier and stakeholder confidence.
* Oversee end-to-end financial management processes, building organisational understanding of cost drivers and strengthening forecasting, management information, and financial performance frameworks.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, streamlining finance processes, increasing compliance, and driving efficiencies. Maximise digital tools and data insights to enhance financial decision-making, including leading improvements to finance systems following Oracle integration.
* Provide effective leadership and line management to the finance team, including four senior C2 finance professionals, fostering a positive, high performing, and collaborative culture with a focus on personal development. Support the Director of FCS in leading the directorate as a key part of the senior management team. performing, and collaborative culture.
* Play an active role in supporting Transport Scotland's response to major planned and unplanned events.