Head of Forensic Accountancy

As part of the team working in the Specialist Crime Division, you can make a real difference by supporting the provision of Forensic Accountancy to our officers and staff across the second largest police force in the UK. Based at the prestigious Scottish Crime Campus in Gartcosh, you will manage a dedicated team, provide expert witness capabilities to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), and spearhead Project Jackal to dismantle the financial structures of serious organised crime, terrorism, and complex fraud.

We believe our people are our most important asset and investing in them is fundamental to the success of introducing new and emerging solutions and support to our front-line.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Own and deliver the long-term strategic business plan for Forensic Accountancy across Police Scotland.
• Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day services, providing expert direction to financial investigators, analysts, and police officers.
• Expert Witness & Advisory: Act as an expert witness in highly complex civil and criminal cases, advising UK Prosecuting and Civil Recovery Agencies.
• Thought Leadership: Represent Police Scotland at national and international levels, contributing to academic research and training modules at the Scottish Police College.
• Partnership Building: Foster collaborative relationships with key partners, including ICAS and the Association of Law Enforcement Forensic Accountants (ALEFA).

What We Are Looking For

• Professional Membership: You must be a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).
• Accreditation: You must be an Accredited Forensic Accountant by the ICAEW.
• Experience: Comprehensive experience providing forensic accountancy services within Law Enforcement, alongside a proven track record as an Expert Witness.
• Leadership Style: A visionary leader who embodies Level 3 competencies in critical analysis, collaboration, and emotional awareness.

Full details regarding this vacancy can be found in the attached Role Profile.

Applicants must be a British citizen, a member of the EU or other states in the EEA, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national free of restrictions.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary with annual increments
• Full-time or part-time shift patterns
• 28 days annual leave and 6 public holidays (increases with service)
• Local government pension scheme for long-term security
• Ongoing training to develop your skills and maintain CPD compliance
• Opportunities for career progression and professional growth
• Comprehensive wellbeing support and dynamic work environment
• Exclusive discounts and savings through our rewards and benefits network

Every role in Police Scotland plays a part in Keeping People Safe.

This is an opportunity to join a national organisation serving communities across Scotland, where integrity, fairness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

Police Scotland serves over 5 million people across Scotland’s cities, towns, rural and island communities.

Our 2030 vision is for safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce. We are committed to equality, human rights and building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

You should  have been resident in the UK for a minimum of five years immediately prior to application for this role

Currently Police Scotland have guidance in place that allows appropriate roles to be operated on an agile basis, should you have an interest in working more flexibly then we would encourage your application.

In accordance with the Police and Fire Reform [Scotland] Act 2012, this post has been designated as politically restricted or sensitive. Please contact the Talent Acquisition team for further information and guidance if required. 

You should  have been resident in the UK for a minimum of five years immediately prior to application for this role

Currently Police Scotland have guidance in place that allows appropriate roles to be operated on an agile basis, should you have an interest in working more flexibly then we would encourage your application.