Chartered Accountant - #2192680

ASA Recruitment’s client, a Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh, is currently looking to recruit a Chartered Accountant on a hybrid basis, on an initial 6-month contract (with potential extensions) on a rate of c.£300-350/day outside of IR35 (based on experience). This role is available on an on-demand basis.

The Role:

The organisation is seeking a qualified Chartered Accountant to provide professional accounting and financial management support on an interim, demand-led basis. The successful candidate will support year-end accounts preparation, audit liaison, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, SAGE administration, and ongoing development of financial processes and controls. Working closely with the Head of Office, the successful candidate will ensure compliance with public sector financial reporting requirements and provide expert financial advice to support this public body.

Essential Experience:

• Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (e.g. ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA or equivalent).
• Experience preparing accounts in accordance with public sector accounting requirements and the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM).
• Strong working knowledge of SAGE accounting software.
• No actual or perceived conflict of interest in relation to regulated pub-owning businesses.
• Significant experience preparing year-end financial statements and supporting external audits within the public sector.
• Experience of financial reporting, reconciliations, accruals, reversals, forecasting and budget monitoring.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver agreed milestones.
• Understanding of confidentiality, and data protection requirements.

Desirable Experience:

• Ability to provide training to Staff on SAGE.
• Knowledge of working with Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), Scottish Government, Executive Agencies, or wider public sector organisations.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, especially in relation to the Tied Pubs sector, ensuring compliance in all financial matters.
• Experience developing management information, cashflow reporting, and forecasting models.
• Experience improving financial processes within SAGE.
• Experience managing levy-funded, regulatory, or statutory bodies.
• Experience accounting for investigation, enforcement, or cost-recovery activities.