Assistant Accountant

We are recruiting for 2 full time Assistant Accountants on a permanent basis
Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Assistant Accountant, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Assistant Accountant, that involves:

• Assisting in the process of devolved budget management within a Portfolio, by coordinating its revenue budget and assisting budget holders with regards to budget preparation and spend.
• Preparing and presenting analytical financial reports and summaries to heads of Function and/or Portfolio accompanied with appropriate commercial advice.
• Undertaking various ad-hoc accounting exercises as requested by senior managers.
• To deal with internal / external auditors.
• Assisting in the development and maintenance of financial management information systems and maintain controls of system access for all financial ledgers.
• Ensuring business efficiency by recommending financial improvements which will assist SEPA fulfil its business objectives.

This is a highly important role within our Governance, Performance & Engagementportfolio, which means you’ll need:

• Minimum HND in Accounting qualification or relevant experience
• Previous relevant accounting experience ideally in a public sector environment
• Proficient skills in the application of Microsoft packages, particularly Excel or relevant financial management systems
• Experience of producing monthly management accounting reports to strict deadlines
• Ability to communicate complex financial information in plain English to non-financial managers

Please open the link to the Assistant Accountant role profile which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and h as:

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
• Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Progressive Family Friendly policies
• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and home life. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one or two Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at