Finance Manager

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen with the Improvement Service in the role of Finance Manager.  This is a part-time fixed term position for 2 years.   

The postholder will report to the Chief Executive and manage and oversee all aspects of the IS company finances (circa £12M), ensuring all accounting activities comply with regulations and the company maintains a sound financial structure. This includes being responsible for financial management, reporting, systems and internal controls.   

The postholder will provide the IS Board, IS Audit Committee, Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team with accurate financial and operational performance information, finance policy advice and professional guidance to ensure successful management of the company’s finances.  

The postholder will ensure that the overall IS governance framework is adhered to and operates effectively to facilitate the smooth running of the business, whilst continuing to evolve to reflect good practice. 

Key elements of the role during 2026/27 will be to ensure the IS Visitor Levy payment system has robust financial management in place to safely secure, account for and reconcile all monies received, and to implement changes to accounting methodology and reporting required by the revised accounting standard FRS 102. 

Information

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

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

Duration:  Fixed-term for 2 years

Hours:        21.6 hours per week

Closing date:  8 March 2026

 

Interview Date

A competence based interview will take place in-person on 24 March 2026 at West Lothian Council Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email 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 Imrovement Service Video. and read our current Business Plan 2025-26.

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 anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.