Head of Finance

Head of Finance (Interim - 6 Months)

Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid)Salary: £50,000-£51,000 (pro rata)Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per weekStart: ASAP

A well-established charity-sector organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Finance for a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a hands-on and highly autonomous role, ideal for someone confident managing both day-to-day finance operations and higher-level strategic oversight.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will ensure strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and successful completion of the year-end audit. You will also oversee a part-time Finance Officer and maintain continuity of financial operations throughout the interim period.

The Role

You will take responsibility for the organisation's full finance function, covering operational finance, management accounting, budgeting, audit preparation, and compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced charity-sector finance professional who enjoys a blend of operational delivery and strategic input.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day bookkeeping and financial processing
• Manage payments, invoicing, and supplier contracts
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with relevant standards
• Review and improve finance systems where required

Management Accounts & Reporting

• Produce accurate monthly and quarterly management accounts
• Provide insight, commentary, and variance analysis
• Monitor cash flow and financial risk
• Support senior leadership with clear financial information

Year-End & Audit

• Prepare year-end accounts to trial balance
• Lead the external audit process and act as the main point of contact
• Ensure compliance with charity and company reporting requirements

Budgeting & Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting cycle
• Assist budget holders with financial planning
• Provide forecasts and scenario modelling
• Support strategic financial decision-making

Fund & Donor Management

• Oversee restricted fund reporting and compliance
• Manage donor-related financial tracking
• Oversee Gift Aid claims and reporting

Payroll & Statutory Compliance

• Oversee payroll and ensure accurate statutory submissions
• Manage HMRC submissions, pensions and related reporting

Team Leadership

• Line manage and support a part-time Finance Officer
• Ensure continuity of service during the interim period

Person Specification

Essential

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Strong experience within the charity finance environment
• Proven track record managing audits and preparing year-end accounts
• Understanding of fund accounting and restricted funds
• Payroll and statutory reporting experience
• Strong analytical and management accounting skills
• Excellent organisational and leadership ability
• High levels of accuracy, integrity and attention to detail

Desirable

• Experience in the voluntary or membership sector
• Knowledge of charity SORP
• Experience working across multiple entities or federated structures

Contract Details

• 6-month fixed-term contract
• 35 hours per week
• Holiday: 20 days + 12 statutory (pro rata)