Overview
Chief Financial Officer, NHS Scotland role within The Scottish Government. This is a senior civil service leadership position at the heart of government, shaping financial strategy and delivery for Health and Social Care in Scotland.
Responsibilities
* Lead on the development and delivery of revenue and capital budgets and financial plans, advising the Accountable Officer and Scottish Ministers.
* Establish and oversee a sound framework of financial governance, control, risk management and mitigation.
* Promote collaborative and whole-system working to ensure best value and optimal use of resources.
* Provide advice, support and challenge to Health and Social Care Directorates (HSCD), NHS Boards and Integration Authorities.
* Develop sustainable and balanced financial plans with HSCD, NHS and Integration Authorities.
* Build constructive relationships with senior leaders to promote transparency and effective challenge, including with the Director General and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
* Develop relationships within DG HSC and across Scottish Government, particularly with the SG Chief Finance Officer and Scottish Exchequer.
* Be a member of the Health and Social Care Management Board and participate in Exchequer and Infrastructure Investment Boards.
* Oversee budgetary responsibilities for the Health and Sport Portfolio (annual revenue budget over £21 billion; annual capital budget around £1 billion).
* Oversee allocation of funding and spend by HSCD Directorates and 22 NHS Boards (revenue and capital).
* Lead the Health and Social Care Finance Directorate (approximately 78 FTE; annual budget around £6m).
Key Priority Areas
* Oversee revenue and capital budgets and funding; establish and deliver actions to manage financial outturn; advise Portfolio Accountable Officer and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
* Provide leadership to NHS Directors of Finance and build relationships with NHS Board Chief Executives; guide financial planning, monitoring performance, and reporting to the Director General & Chief Executive of NHS Scotland.
* Oversee the capital programme for health and social care with whole-system planning and risk assessment; align investment plans with priorities.
* Support the Scottish Government year-end accounts process and NHS sub-consolidation certificate.
Personal and Professional Standards
You will have personal responsibility for finance, efficiency and value derived from budget responsibility delegated from the DG Health and Social Care. You will ensure:
* Highest standards of financial management and value for money from Scottish Government funds.
* Compliance with governance and control requirements as outlined in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
* Utilisation of a wide range of financial information to underpin sound decision making and consideration of Managing Public Money implications.
Leadership and Equality
As part of the leadership cohort, contribute to equality and inclusive culture across the Directorate and wider Scottish Government. Actions include:
* Building relationships through race allyship and mentorship; support for career development and identifying barriers in the workplace.
* Policy approach to publish high-quality equality statements for the budget; ensure Equality Budget Statement for health and social care is integrated into the budget process.
Experience and Qualifications
* Qualified accountant and member of either CIMA or one of CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA.
* Experience managing budgets of at least £500 million; leading multiple functions in a complex organisational setting; strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and governance frameworks; experience at board level financial reporting.
Behaviours
* Leadership
* Developing self and others
* Managing a quality service
* Delivering at pace
* Communicating and influencing
How To Apply
Apply online with a CV and Supporting Statement (up to 1500 words). Provide evidence of professional experience, skills and Success Profile behaviours as required for this Senior Civil Service role. AI tools may be used to support applications, but statements must be truthful and your own work.
Assessments and Interviews
* Interviews and individual psychological assessment and stakeholder engagement exercise (dates 27 October & 3 November 2025, subject to change).
* Final Interview Panel at St Andrews House, Edinburgh; panel includes the Civil Service Commissioner and senior NHS Scotland representatives.
Compensation and Conditions
The pay range is provided by The Scottish Government; actual pay based on skills and experience. This is a permanent, pensionable Senior Civil Service appointment with hybrid-working options. Security checks include BPSS and National Security Vetting (SC level).
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and aim to recruit a diverse workforce reflecting the population of Scotland. We provide recruitment adjustments as needed.
Working pattern
Standard hours: 37 per week. From October 2025, hybrid roles require in-person work 40% of the time. Secondment up to 5 years may be considered.
Additional information
For more information on the organisation, benefits and the application process, see the Careers Website and Candidate Guide.
Seniority and Employment Type
* Seniority level: Executive
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Finance
* Industries: Government Administration
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