Head of Counter Fraud and Recoveries - C1

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are Scottish Government employees, and are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

To lead the delivery of counter fraud and recoveries activities across SAAS, ensuring effective fraud risk management, prevention, detection, response and recovery in line with professional standards and government policy.

This is temporary 6 month post of Head of Fraud and Recoveries provides strategic leadership and direction for the organisation's Counter Fraud and Recoveries functions, ensuring the effective protection of public funds and delivery of organisational objectives.

This is a temporary post to support a transition period while a permanent Head of Finance is recruited. The post holder will support the teams and work with their peers to lead the wider finance functions through this period.

The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, we help higher and further education students find the right information, support and funding. SAAS manages an operating budget of approximately £15million and administers approximately £1.5 billion of student funding on behalf of Scottish Government.

Responsibilities

Lead, develop and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement and professional excellence. Manage resources, workforce planning and operational priorities to ensure delivery of organisational objectives.

Lead and manage the agency’s Fraud and Recovery teams including the development, implementation and continuous improvement of counter fraud, debt recovery and overpayment management strategies.

Oversee all fraud prevention, fraud detection, intelligence development, investigation and sanctions activity. Act as the senior lead for fraud risk management, ensuring robust controls are established to prevent, detect and mitigate fraud risks.

Lead the organisation's approach to debt recovery and overpayment management, ensuring the effective, proportionate and customer-focused recovery of public funds.

Provide strategic advice, assurance and recommendations to the Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Committee and other governance groups on fraud risks, investigation outcomes, debt recovery performance and emerging threats.

Lead engagement with external partners including government departments, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other public sector bodies to strengthen fraud prevention and recovery outcomes.

Represent the organisation at senior-level forums, working groups and partnerships relating to counter fraud, data sharing, debt recovery, risk management and public fund protection.

Ensure effective governance, assurance and performance management arrangements are in place across the Counter Fraud and Recoveries functions.

Represent the Counter Fraud and Recoveries functions at Senior Leadership Team level, contributing to organisational strategy, business planning, corporate governance and decision-making.

Drive innovation and continuous improvement to strengthen organisational capability, improve customer outcomes and maximise the protection and recovery of public funds for example by leading the use of data, intelligence and analytics to identify fraud risks, improve operational performance and maximise recovery outcomes.

A counter fraud qualification such as Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist, Professional Certificate in Fraud Prevention or equivalent is necessary for this role.

Experience

• Demonstrable and strong experience in applying technical fraud prevention knowledge and expertise in a service delivery organisation, providing well communicated and easily understood advice to a wide range of stakeholders at different levels.
• Strong management and leadership experience in diverse and multidisciplinary teams with excellent interpersonal skills. Experience of implementing and managing effective, sustainable change, modifying and improving behaviours, systems and controls.
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage a diverse workload and team, including providing effective leadership to finance teams with direct line management of staff.
• Working pattern
• This role is a temporary level transfer position for 6 months.

How to Apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 employees.
• Please submit a CV and a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
• Vacancy closes at 11:59pm

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.