Description Are you detailed orientated with an interest in numbers and supporting financial processes? Based in the Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE), the role of the Finance Officer supports the Finance Manager within the Financial Planning and Management Team. We are part of the larger finance team who provide key tasks including accounting, monitoring and the reporting of income and expenditure to satisfy the Scottish Government reporting requirements. You will work in close collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders so will have excellent communication skills. ARE is part of the Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands portfolio. It has a wide ranging remit and our work has a direct impact on those living and working in rural communities. ARE is responsible for providing support to the rural economy, with over £600 million of funding processed each year to Scottish farmers and wider rural Communities. Responsibilities Establish and maintain strong relationships with colleagues within ARE, other finance teams and across the Scottish Government. Assist with consolidation and preparation of monthly forecasting reports to central finance. Provide financial advice and support to colleagues within the ARE Directorate. Assist with the provision of financial information to budget holders and other stakeholders. Extract and analyse financial information and reports from our accounting and reporting system (SEAS/ Oracle). Assist with the preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts. Work flexibly across the Finance team, taking on a range of other work as required to ensure that priorities are met. Assist with system development and continuous process improvement including input to future system requirements, user testing and financial control improvements. Qualifications 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 Budgeting, Forecasting and Costing – Awareness Level Working with date in finance – Working Level Business and Organisation – Awareness Level You can find out more about the skills required here : Finance Profession Capability Framework Behaviours Working Together – Level 2 Communicating and Influencing – Level 2 Making Effective Decisions – Level 2 Delivering at Pace – Level 2 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before midnight on 13 July 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills 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 18 August 2025 however this may be subject to change. In the event of a tied interview/assessment score, merit order will be determined by score in Budget Management and Understanding of Forecasting criteria. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. 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 currently work Hybrid, 1 day per week in office but from October you will be required to work in office 2 days per week. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact Gemma Brown on Gemma.brown@gov.scot. 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.