As part of a small Finance team within a diverse and unique organisation, the role requires commercial accounting skills with the ability to develop trusting relationships with colleagues delivering the fund objectives. Also required is a natural curiosity to look beyond numbers, combined with a passion to support Inspiring Scotland’s goal of driving social change and transforming lives.

The Finance Business Partner-Funds role is newly created and will develop as a key member of the Inspiring Scotland team, collaborating with colleagues across functions; HR, IT and funds to share learning, volunteer their skillset to support other teams, playing a role in the continued success of our organisation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Essential elements of the role are:

• Provide commercial accounting support
• Collaborate, manage and build relationships with fund colleagues
• Support, inform and influence decision making that strengthens Inspiring Scotland's financial position

Key Tasks:

As a key part of the Finance team, the Finance Business Partner will:

• Evaluate how each fund operates and implement the necessary strategies, processes, procedures and policies to ensure robust financial analysis
• Work in partnership with Fund colleagues to ensure consistent, accurate and meaningful reporting across all funds
• Collaborate with and develop positive, proactive working partnerships with Fund colleagues, to drive the delivery of fund and Inspiring Scotland objectives
• Support the Fund Managers and Directors of Funds with the financial aspects of each fund, including grant drawdown (£46m+), raising invoices and ensuring timely receipt of income
• Manage the process of payment to organisations (£40m+) within each portfolio and monitor budget variance analysis
• Report on financial performance of each fund against Budget and recommend actions for any adverse variances
• Support Fund Managers in developing pricing for new funds and analysis of current fund performance
• Ensure correct allocation of funds received and that all costs are correctly reported, reporting on variances to Budget and taking any remedial action required
• Process all grant claims and invoices and payments made to charities on the accounting system
• Provide support to Finance Director in the production of the Statutory Accounts, including reconciliation and analysis of fund accounts
• Support the Financial Controller with the preparation of Management Accounts where required
• Support the external Audit process by providing all documentation requested and developing processes throughout the year to effectively maintain all financial transactional records
• Maintain and develop the accounting software to ensure all efficiencies available are maximised

Work Environment:

• We offer a positive and supportive work environment, alongside regular training and development opportunities. You can read more about our values on our website here: https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/who-we-are/our-values/
• We have an active wellbeing programme led by the staff team, as well as a calendar of social events and team building days
• For Inspiring Scotland, flexible working is the norm and is more than just working from home. As an award-winning family friendly and flexible employer, we aim to promote a good work home life balance for all employees

Person Specification:

• Commitment to Inspiring Scotland’s mission, vision, and values
• Proven commercial accounting skills, with ability to demonstrate high standards of discretion and integrity
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of partners to influence change, think creatively and solve problems, approaching tasks with curiosity - reflecting, adapting, and identifying implications for colleagues and organisations supported
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, presenting complex issues clearly for diverse partners and audiences through various channels

Experience / Essential:

• Relevant professional qualification CIMA, ICAS, ACCA or extensive experience within a senior finance and business partnering role
• A skilled and experienced professional with a career in either the corporate or Third Sector
• Excellent numeracy and analytical skills, combined with high levels of emotional intelligence, people skills and empathy
• Ability to inspire improvement in process and impact
• Able to produce high-quality information and reports for internal and external distribution
• Strong communication skills, the ability to influence strategies and support their implementation
• Excellent planning and self-organisation skills to deliver work to agreed timescales and standards and prioritise effectively while under pressure
• Ability to exercise independent judgement, reasonable care, skill and diligence
• Proactive self-starter who can manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions using initiative to achieve successful outcomes
• Demonstrable experience of nurturing relationships with people, across different functions, to generate valuable insights and gauge impact using different methods

Benefits:

• 9.25% employer pension contribution (salary sacrifice scheme available)
• Full private medical insurance with the option to include family members
• CashPlan Medical Benefits
• 4 x salary Death in Service cover
• 29 days annual leave plus 8 days public holidays
• Cycle to work scheme with shower facilities available in the office