Finance Manager

Are you ready to take the lead in managing £400+ million of public investment that keeps Scotland moving? Join Transport Scotland’s Bus, Concessionary and Active Travel (BCAT) Directorate as our Finance Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial backbone of Scotland’s sustainable transport network.
This is more than a finance role – it’s your chance to influence strategic decisions, safeguard public funds, and support innovative projects that make travel smarter, greener, and more accessible for millions – while leading and inspiring a team of two dedicated finance professionals.

• Lead financial strategy and governance for one of Scotland’s largest public transport budgets.
• Deliver accurate and robust financial forecasting, reporting and compliance that drives confidence at every level.
• Champion innovation in financial systems, enhancing tools like Fareshare and Oracle.
• Develop and inspire a high‑performing finance team while building strong relationships across Transport Scotland and Scottish Government.

• A proven finance professional with a passion for public service and accountability.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn complex data into actionable insights.
• Leadership qualities that motivate teams and influence stakeholders.
• Experience in financial planning, reporting, and compliance within a complex environment.

• Be part of a delivering transformational transport initiatives.
• Enjoy a role that combines strategic impact with hands‑on delivery.
• Work in a collaborative environment where your expertise shapes Scotland’s future travel.

• Responsible for the financial forecasting and budget monitoring for BCAT, including scrutinising financial data, providing narrative on significant variances and expert financial advice to senior managers on a regular basis to inform strategic financial decision making.
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of timely monthly budget monitoring reports and development of an effective, informative and accurate BCAT finance dashboard.
• Oversee the delivery of monthly ledger/financial reconciliations, preparing accruals, pre‑payments and year‑end reports, taking corrective actions where required and working with stakeholders and senior managers to resolve issues appropriately.
• Lead, support and line manage finance colleagues to ensure delivery of team priorities, while also providing support and guidance to direct reports.
• Maintaining strong working relationships with all stakeholders, both internal and external, whilst managing the timing and quality of information, ensuring compliance with the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) and maintaining requirements for strong and effective governance, including supporting financial year end audits.
• Develop and manage relationships across the Scottish Government, understanding the drivers of risk across the organisation and identifying opportunities to influence the strategic direction of directorates and the decisions they are making.
• Identify potential improvements to finance processes with a particular focus on using core financial reporting systems, including Oracle, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of organisational financial management.