Finance Assistant

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Improvement Service for the role of Finance Assistant, to support the Finance team in ensuring that it meets its objectives of delivering sound financial management within the organisation.

The postholder will be an experienced Finance Assistant who will contribute to finance team goals.

Key tasks and accountabilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• processing invoices
• performing bank reconciliations
• calculating prepayments and accruals
• assisting with the administration of the upcoming Visitor Levy system
• Experience in the preparation of journals
• Experience using banking and finance

Skills, knowledge and experience essential to this post include:

• strong numeracy skills and ability to produce accurate work
• ability to organise and prioritise workload
• ability to multitask and meet deadlines and targets
• understanding of basic business administrative techniques and processes, including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• knowledge in the use of finance IT systems
• knowledge and understanding of financial internal controls and segregation of duties
• knowledge of finance tasks e.g. invoicing and banking
• experience of working within a finance team
• experience of working with finance systems

A Disclosure Scotland Certificate will be required which will be paid for by the Improvement Service.

Information

Location: West Lothian Council Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6FF

It is anticipated that the role will involve a blend of office and home working. This flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager.

Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension

Hours of contract: 36 hours

Advert closing date: 9th August 2026

Interview Date

A competence based in-person interview will take place on Wednesday 19th August (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email a week in advance of the interview).

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our 'Guide to Competency-based Interviews'.

Additionally, you may also find it beneficial to watch our Working at the Improvement Service Video. and read our current Business Plan 2026-27

 

Background

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services.

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities.

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy.

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria.