Accounts Commission Members
We’re delighted that you’re interested in applying to join the Accounts Commission.
Becoming a member of the Accounts Commission is an exciting and varied role, drawing on a wide range of skills and experience. We value the breadth of expertise and knowledge of all members.
These appointments are being made by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government but the Commission works independently of the Scottish Government.
The Accounts Commission seeks to represent all communities, and we encourage applicants from a diverse range of relevant backgrounds and from both urban and rural locations across Scotland.
We have a significant role in Scottish public life. We provide independent assurance to communities and decision-makers about how councils and other local government bodies are using public money.
Hear from some of our current members
What are some of the highlights of being an Accounts Commission member?
Your skills and experience
Our work continues to focus on the urgent need for significant service redesign across local government as funding is failing to keep pace with rising and more complex pressures and demands. Councils must significantly redesign how they deliver services, and work with their communities to determine what services they stop or reduce.
That’s why we’re looking for candidates with the skills, knowledge and experience required to think strategically about the key issues facing local government - including finance, workforce, IT and cyber security.
You will also be expected to represent the Commission in the media and, from time to time, at the Scottish Parliament. You will benefit from ongoing training and support from Audit Scotland’s media team.
Senior-level experience of strategic change management and partnership working will also be essential as local government plays its role in Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform Strategy.
What's on this page
- Introduction
- Hear from some of our current members
- Your skills and experience
- Information sessions
- About the Accounts Commission
- How to apply
If you're ready to make your application
Information sessions
Find out more about our work, the role of members and the application process.
We’ll be holding two information sessions, both hybrid, on:
- Wednesday 29 July 6pm, West Port, Edinburgh
- Thursday 13 August 6pm, Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow
Please contact Sarah Watters, Director for the Commission at acsupport@audit.scot, to register for the events.
You’re also welcome to attend the public session of the Commission meeting on 13 August between 10am and 11:30am, in the Glasgow office. Or watch online. You can register to watch this meeting online from Friday 7 August. Details about our meetings including papers, minutes and recordings are all available online.
About the Accounts Commission
At the core of our work is the independent annual audit of all local government bodies, together with assessments of Best Value. This is vital in supporting improvement and sharing best practice.
We also report on a wide range of issues and services that are important to our quality of life. Over the last year this has included:
And over the next year and more, in addition to our regular reporting on local government and Integration Joint Board finances, we’ll be publishing reports on:
- housing
- digital leadership in local government
- social care
- the school workforce
How to apply
The full recruitment pack is available on the Scottish Government’s public appointments website.
- Closing date - Monday 24 August 2026 at 12 noon.
- Sift of applications - 15 September 2026
- Date applicants will hear about the outcome of their application - 16 September 2026
- Interviews and assessment - 29 September, 1 and 2 October 2026. In person at the Audit Scotland office, 4th Floor, 102 West Port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DN.
