Job profile
Job title: Accountant
Responsible to: Senior Accountant
Principal working contacts
- Head of Finance and Corporate Governance
- Finance & Procurement Manager
- Senior Accountant
- Finance Officers
- Transactions Manager
- Procurement Officer
- Senior Managers in the Care Inspectorate
- Internal and External Auditors
Job purpose
Support the Finance and Procurement Manager and the Senior Accountant to deliver a comprehensive finance service to the Care Inspectorate in line with Care Inspectorate policies. This role also supports the provision of financial services to the Scottish charity regular, OSCR.
Key responsibilities
Annual budget:
- Supporting the preparation of the annual budget, including reviewing financial plans to ensure high quality budget setting and monitoring.
Budget monitoring:
- Preparing monthly budget monitoring information to budget holders to meet their individual needs.
- Support budget managers with the management of their budgets by providing financial advice and guidance in line with financial regulations and other financial processes to make sure the operational requirements of the Care Inspectorate are met.
- Ensuring financial transactions are properly recorded.
- Developing financial management reports within the financial management system.
Reconciliations and ledger control:
- Reviewing suspense and control account reconciliations monthly.
- Ensure all month and year end procedures are performed within the timescales agreed with the Senior Accountant.
- Leading on the financial management of specific grant funded projects.
- Managing cashflow and banking arrangements for the Care Inspectorate.
- Prepare monthly grant in aid claims.
Annual accounts:
- Assisting in the production of the Care Inspectorate and OSCR’’s annual statutory accounts. This includes liaising with finance staff, budget holders and auditors, and ensuring all working papers are prepared to a high standard.
- Review monthly analysis to ensure information is accurate for our statutory accounts.
Other tasks:
- Prepare draft reports to Senior Managers and Committee.
- Providing financial training and ongoing support to non-finance staff.
- Developing procedures to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
- Maintaining and developing finance systems and processes including undertaking process improvement and LEAN reviews.
- Preparing or reviewing statutory returns, as required.
- Preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns.
- Participation in Best Value reviews, including reporting on the findings.
- Supporting the maintenance and development of the financial system.
- Working in partnership with managers and key stakeholders to jointly develop finance plans necessary to support their operational plans.
- Support the Senior Accountant to risk assess applications to register services to ensure that services understand their responsibilities and are financially resourced to establish, maintain and improve service provision.
- Keeping up to date with developments in financial regulations/legislation and best practice, sharing knowledge across the team to ensure continuous development and improvements in the service offered.
- Actively contributing to the wider aims, workload and objectives of the finance function, ensuring that they are consistent with best practice and ensuring the provision of a sound finance service across the Care Inspectorate.
People management:
- Lead, manage and provide professional advice to the Finance Officers.
- Support, develop and coach direct reports through regular 1-1 supervision and appraisal and lead on consistent, high-quality practice amongst staff and support development.
- Promote a positive and inclusive working environment which supports continuous professional development.
- Manage the Finance Officers, reviewing work, prioritising and managing workload. Carry out training and development, recruitment and absence management.
- Promote the health, safety and welfare of employees, with responsibility for ensuring that the Care Inspectorate health and safety policies, procedures and practice and legislative requirements are met across the team.
- Carry out your duties in accordance with our Health and Safety policies, procedures, guidance, practices and legislative requirements, taking reasonable care for your safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or fail to do while at work.
- Promote diversity, equality of opportunity, fairness, dignity and trust, ensuring that these principles are upheld across all areas of service delivery.
Relationship management:
- Model corporate behaviour and demonstrate commitment to organisation values.
- Develop and maintain constructive and co-operative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient directorate support.
- Promote the principles of collaborative working throughout the organisation and in all working practices in accordance with the Partnership Agreements with the trade unions.
- Ensure effective working protocols in accordance with the Care Inspectorate’s Communications, Human Resources, Finance, IT and Operations function.
- Project a professional image for the Care Inspectorate when dealing with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the Care Inspectorate’s aims, vision and values and to the Care Inspectorate’s overall objective of improving care in Scotland.
Other duties
This job profile is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.
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Modern Apprentice – Business and Administration SVQ qualification
Salary: £23,511 – £24,213 plus excellent benefits
Contract: Temporary for one year.
Location: Dundee – with an opportunity to work from home, in the office or to use a hybrid approach.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Join us and make a difference – for you, for everyone
It’s our job to ensure care for everyone, everywhere in Scotland is as good as it can be. If you are as passionate about high-quality care as we are, and you’re keen to learn, we’d love to hear from you. We are looking for talented Care Experienced people to join us in making a difference.
About us
As a Corporate Parent organisation, we understand the importance of supporting Care Experienced individuals as they transition into the workforce. We believe in providing opportunities for those who have been in care to empower them to reach their full potential.
Our commitment to employing Care Experienced people stems from our belief in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual.
About you
We’re looking to attract two modern apprentices aged 16 - up to the age of 29 for completion of the qualification, who would like to pursue a career in business administration. These opportunities are ringfenced for Care Experienced people as we understand the unique barriers you face.
We are different because of our great benefits, our investment in learning and development, and giving you the opportunity to help shape care in Scotland. We will provide a tailored programme for the year including help to find your next steps and support your job search. There will also be plenty of support – you’ll have a mentor, a buddy, a training provider, and team members who are all keen to help you achieve.
What you will be doing as modern apprentice
You will undertake a range of administrative duties to support team delivery. Building your skillset, improving your knowledge, and understanding of the work of the Human Resources (HR) and Organisation Workforce Development (OWD) teams or the Participation and Equalities team.
The skills you’ll need
Whilst it is important to have the basics, we will support you in developing your skillset throughout your journey with us. You must be a keen learner, have a positive attitude, be well presented, and have a good knowledge of computers, particularly Microsoft Office suite packages.
You will have on the job training and support and gain invaluable paid work experience whilst working towards a recognised qualification. The Scottish vocational qualification will be from the business and administration framework.
All new entrants will start on the first point of the grade for the role. We have a generous benefits package which is highlighted below. For more information on our benefits please see our Total rewards package that can be found on our website.
This job may require some travel and may involve some overnight stays and costs for this will be covered.
In addition to our excellent benefits package, we also pride ourselves on the values we hold, person-centred; fairness; respect; efficiency and integrity - all supported with a culture of care and kindness. We’re proud to be a progressive, supportive employer, and equality, diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Our desire is to achieve an effective and balanced way of working, which enables us to meet organisational needs and achieve a work-life balance that promotes wellbeing and collaboration opportunities. We are moving towards an expectation that all staff will work collaboratively, within and across teams, in person, for approximately 40% of their working week.
What next?
You’ll find more information in the job profile and person specification.
To find information about our Care Experienced guarantee interview scheme, follow this link to our recruitment webpages .
For an informal chat, please contact the recruitment team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The recruitment team can also provide support to help you decide to apply, how to complete our application form and how to prepare for an interview for either post.
If you’re ready to apply now, please send your completed application form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 08.00 on Monday 12 August 2024.
The Care Inspectorate is committed to recruiting, keeping, and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities that we serve. It is vital that we check and analyse diversity information so that we can identify how we can improve the way we meet the needs of our applicants and staff. To aid us to monitor the effectiveness of our equality and diversity practices, we would encourage you to complete and send in the equalities monitoring form by email with your completed application form.
We expect to hold an in person selection process at our Dundee office no earlier than 26 August 2024. The selection process will include a group exercise followed by a short informal interview. There will also be information on how to gain the relevant SVQ qualification and the support that can be provided.
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Job profile
Job Title: Modern Apprenticeship
Responsible to: Line manager
Principal working contacts
Line manager
Mentor
Buddy
Training provider
Other modern apprentices
Managers and employees
Members of the public
Job purpose
To create a structured pathway for Care Experienced young people (aged 16 – up to the age of 29 for completion of the qualification), to gain practical work experience while pursuing a qualification, we aim to bridge the gap between education and employment. Our programmes offer apprentices the opportunity to earn a salary while acquiring job-specific skills and theoretical knowledge essential for success. This apprenticeship serves as a foundation for mastering office administration, including document handling, communication techniques, and organisational procedures. It combines on the job training with learning, providing a comprehensive understanding of the administrative functions that enhance team efficiency.
Key Accountabilities
- Operational Management
- Obtain a recognised qualification and maintain connections with those who encourage learning.
- Acquire knowledge and gain insight into the organisation and the tasks performed by each team.
- Handle both incoming and outgoing communication, which includes emails, phone calls and postal mail.
- Manage routine inquiries and either prioritise or escalate difficult requests.
- Schedule and book meeting rooms.
- Keep records up to date and generate data as needed.
- Assist in maintaining filing systems according to file management policies and procedures.
- Provide administrative assistance to the team as needed.
- Maintain standards while collaborating with both staff and members of the public.
- Make suggestions to improve administrative processes.
- Carry out your duties in accordance with our Health and Safety policies, procedures, guidance, practices, and legislative requirements, taking reasonable care for your safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or fail to do while at work.
Relationship Management
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Present a professional manner when interacting with staff and members of the public.
- Adhere to the policies of the organisation and follow team working practices.
- Engage in team meetings and participate in training activities to improve skills and knowledge.
- Show dedication to the organisations goals, vision, and values, with the overarching aim of improving social care in Scotland.
Other Duties
This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.
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Person specification
Job title - Modern apprentice
Attributes
Experience
Essential
Care Experienced - aged 16 up to the age of 29 for completion of the MA qualification.
Desirable
Experience of planning, organising and problem solving (in a non-work context).
Education, qualifications and training
Essential
- Willingness to undertake and complete an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) that matches with the job role/funding criteria.
- Commitment to undertake further training and development in the role (particularly if needed for desirable skills).
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Good working knowledge of Outlook and Word.
- Comfortable with using numbers.
- Communication skills – includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Desirable
- Use of Excel, PowerPoint, Aha Slides (or similar) and Microsoft Forms.
- Attention to detail.
- Enjoys working in a focused way.
Key Performance Outcomes
Effective communication
Essential
- Shows a positive image when communicating both inside and outside the organisation.
- Listens actively to people, questions and checks understanding.
Desirable
Chooses right communication style depending on people’s needs.
Planning and organising
Essential
- Uses a focused approach to make best use of time.
- Able to be flexible to meet changing priorities.
Desirable
Prioritises work effectively to meet aims.
Flexibility
Essential
- Listens to feedback and ideas from people and takes right action.
- Understands where a flexible approach is needed.
Desirable
Adapts well to change, adjusting priorities as needed.
Team working
Essential
- Shows respect and fairness towards others, values diversity and is non-discriminatory in their actions.
- Values and makes use of the skills, knowledge, and experience of others.
Desirable
Works together as part of a team and is supportive of others.
Personal Accountability and Responsibility
Essential
Contributes positively and finds how tasks can be improved.
Takes ownership for own development and willing to accept help and guidance.
Desirable
Demonstrates initiative within their own area of work.
Please note – these are key performance outcomes to be used to recruit into the role. Successful applicants will be assessed against all the performance indicators used in the Performance Development Review System once set up in the role.
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Person specification
Job title: Information Governance Lead
Attributes
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate a successful track record within a similar role.
- Experience of developing, implementing and maintaining information governance tools and standards, for example, business and security classifications, metadata schemes, life-cycle retention schedules and information asset registers
- Experience of writing policies, procedures and guidance
- Experience of working with and influencing stakeholders and partners
- Experience of undertaking information and process surveys, current state assessments and compliance audits
- Developing and/or delivering training programmes
- Experience of designing, developing and maintaining information management systems
- Line management experience
- Experience of working with the ICO and other regulatory bodies
Desirable
- Experience of working within the social care sector
- Experience of working with IT and business colleagues to integrate IG into technology platforms and business systems
Education, qualifications and training
Essential
Educated to degree level unless has proven experience in senior information governance role in a similar public body
Desirable
- Graduate or post graduate degree, or other qualification in IG-related discipline e.g. Records Management, Data Protection, Freedom of
- Information, Information Security and Assurance
- Legal qualification
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation in the context within which the Care Inspectorate works e.g. UK GDPR, DPA 2018
- The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Public services reform (Scotland) Act 2010, Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 and associated legislation.
- Knowledge and understanding of the importance of confidentiality and information governance and security principles
- Ability to interpret and present information governance concepts and terminology legal information in lay terms
- Excellent all-round IT skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer) and Adobe Writer.
- Proven analytical and problem solving skills
Desirable
Good working knowledge of project planning and process tools such as MS Project, Visio, and data analysis and productivity tools such as DROID and TreeSize
Key performance outcomes
Effective commmunication
Essential
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain specialist/complex issues to non-specialist staff at a variety of levels and to draft clear and concise written reports.
- The ability to foster good working relationships with a range of colleagues, providing expert or professional advice, both internally and externally.
- Portrays a positive image of the Care Inspectorate when communicating both inside the organisation and externally.
- Selects appropriate communication, style and methods depending on the needs and abilities of the audience.
- Listens actively to people, questions and checks understanding.
- Possesses and displays self-confidence, enthusiasm, motivation, tact and diplomacy when communicating both inside the organisation and externally.
- Focus on representing the work area or function with the main emphasis on advising, guiding, and persuasion; to be instrumental in resolving tensions and difficulties.
- Senior representative in their area of expertise with external contacts.
Planning and organising
Essential
- Uses a systematic approach to make efficient use of time and manage workload.
- Recognises the need to be flexible in order to meet changing priorities.
- Prioritises work effectively to meet deadlines and objectives.
- Ability to multi-task, deal with work within tight/conflicting deadlines and prioritise work appropriately.
- Excellent planning and project management skills and ability to deliver work to specified timescales.
- Responsible for a discrete area of the Care Inspectorate’s work, policy, functional or operational area of activity and for managing projects and associated resources.
- People management responsibilities in terms of planning, leading, organising and controlling the work of others.
- Plan, having an impact across the organisation or affecting the sector, externally.
Flexibility
Essential
- Demonstrates a flexible, positive approach to work and in all duties performed.
- Listens to feedback and ideas from people and will take appropriate and considered action.
- Adapts well to change, adjusting priorities as required.
- Understands where a flexible approach is required.
- Adopting creative approaches and flexibility in the use of judgement which will be influenced by a number of variables requiring significant levels of discretion.
Team working
Essential
- Remains tolerant and fair towards others, values diversity and is nondiscriminatory in their actions.
- Values and makes use of the skills, knowledge and experience of others.
- Works co-operatively and supportively with others.
- Will develop ideas and contribute directly to parts of the Corporate Plan, having an impact across the organisation or affecting the sector, externally.
Personal accountability and responsibility
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative and exercise own judgment with discretion.
- Takes responsibility for decisions and actions taken keeping line management informed of developments or issues as they arise.
- Maintains a high standard of work and actively seeks out continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates initiative within own area of expertise with limited line management experience.
- Takes responsibility for identifying and addressing areas of personal and professional development.
- To work independently on particular aspects of projects, reporting progress and liaising as necessary.
- Provide information which typically influence decision makers and will take the lead on organisation wide projects reporting directly to a member of the ET.
Please note – these are key performance outcomes to be used to recruit into the role. Successful applicants will be assessed against all the performance indicators used in the Performance Development Review System once established in the role.
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