Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (Reg. Charity No. SC034507)
About Us
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is a charitable Building Preservation Trust active across Scotland. The Trust is dedicated to regenerating significant historic buildings which are at risk, for the benefit of others, through conservation and sustainable re‑use.
For almost fifty years, our charity has played a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s architectural heritage. The Trust collaborates with the third sector, local authorities, communities, and specialists to preserve and restore significant historic buildings across Scotland.
With a small expert team and no core public funding, we have restored over 30 buildings and raised more than £40 million. We retain a portfolio of historic properties which we run commercially and for the benefit of their local communities. Our team of 18 FTE has specialist skills in building preservation, fundraising, community engagement, heritage communications, grant writing, project management and property operations.
We also bring expertise in event management, cultural interpretation and in developing and delivering educational programmes. SHBT undertakes large‑scale projects directly (e.g., Leith Custom House and Bernat Klein Studio, Scottish Borders), while also providing consultancy services to other non‑profit historic building owners. SHBT is based in Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town in a sixteenth‑century palace which we restored in 2017.
The Role
This is a senior and strategically important role within SHBT and will be part of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Director. The role carries a high level of autonomy and covers a broad remit including budgeting, forecasting, financial performance reporting and the preparation of annual charity accounts and working with the Trust’s external auditors.
The Head of Finance is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of finances for the charity (and its subsidiary trading arm) and will ensure the efficient management of the accounting functions and delivery of all aspects of financial administration operating with high levels of personal integrity. The company secretarial responsibilities require the appointee to ensure that all statutory reporting and compliance required for the limited companies are fulfilled in a timely and efficient manner.
Key Responsibilities
* Preparation of monthly Management Accounts, Budgets and Cashflow and annual Charity Accounts and reporting to the Finance & Audit Committee and Management Board.
* Delivery of the finance function of the Trust, ensuring financial records and reporting are accurate and complete, and produced on a timely basis.
* Ensuring compliance with appropriate financial policies and procedures and ensuring there are robust controls and checks in place for the management of the financial functions of SHBT, complying with OSCR requirements for charities and Companies House as a company limited by guarantee.
* Completing the online appointments and resignations of Directors as required.
* Working with external auditors and payroll providers to ensure the timely completion of accounts and audit and payroll provision.
* Developing and establishing the systems, processes and procedures required to ensure SHBT has an efficient and effective finance function and proactively provide ideas for improvement.
* Managing the Bookkeeper and having overall accountability for their deliverables – including all receipt and payment related matters, processing invoices, fee claims, VAT returns, Gift Aid claims, staff expenses and grant drawdown requests.
* Working with Trust staff to provide all financial information and monitor expenditure against budgets and ensure that all finance procedures are followed, providing training where required on any finance processes.
* Taking a lead on project finance to include grant reporting, budget control and cash flow.
Accountability
The appointee will also take on some company secretarial work for SHBT and its subsidiary companies. Initially based within the Trust’s property at Custom House, 67 Commercial Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6LH. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available.
Directly responsible to the Director on a day‑to‑day basis and accountable to the Finance & Audit Committee and Management Board (Charity Trustees). Responsible for the Bookkeeper and liaison with other staff as part of the Senior Management Team, setting financial procedures and processes and providing financial information to Project Staff (project finances and grant applications and claims) and Property Staff (property financial management).
Person Specification
Education and Training
* Qualified/Part‑Qualified Accountant/ICAS/ICAEW/ACCA Qualified, or applicants with significant experience in a finance role or similar. Part‑Qualified applicants will be supported on the completion of their professional accountancy qualification.
* Proven experience of working in a charity and of charitable accounting procedures and preparation of charitable accounts.
* Relevant CPD training and professional development in charity finance.
Job Experience & Skills
* Demonstrable track record of managing all aspects of finance for a charity, or equivalent organisation, and proven experience of working within a finance role at a similar level.
* Proven experience in developing systems, in‑depth financial analysis and account production, and maximising the potential of accounting and supporting systems producing Financial Reports and Papers at Board level which are clear and understandable to less experienced reviewers and non‑finance professionals.
* Knowledge of company secretarial responsibilities.
* Experience of capital project finance.
* Strong technical accountancy and financial management skills with expertise in online accounting systems (SHBT use Xero).
* Knowledge and experience of tax and VAT process and procedures.
* Strong Microsoft Office skills especially Excel, Outlook and Word.
* An ability to manage creditor and debtor relationships in a positive and engaging manner.
Personal Qualities
* A creative mind – often required to find new approaches to unexpected problems, which can be fun as well as stimulating.
* An ability to remain calm under pressure and to work at pace against changing requirements and priorities, many of these to challenging deadlines.
* Proactive self‑starter with excellent time‑management and organisational skills.
* Flexibility to work outside of usual business hours by mutual agreement (e.g., evening or weekend at community engagement event).
* An interest in historic buildings and cultural heritage.
* IT and practical skills beyond standard office suite.
* An exceptional ability to prioritise, manage workload and work to deadlines.
* Good attention to detail and the ability to produce work with a high level of accuracy and to spot errors.
* Strong problem‑solving skills as well as a can‑do attitude, ability to listen to and understand requirements as well as share ideas.
* Excellent communication skills, ability to interact with people at all levels and convey technical financial information to non‑specialists in a confident and courteous manner.
* Comfortable managing multiple work streams simultaneously.
Terms and Conditions
Hours of Work: Part‑time (between 21 and 28 hours per week). Due to the nature of this post requiring attendance at Board and other meetings, there will be a requirement to work some evenings and weekends.
Pension Scheme: The Trust runs a qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme with Royal London with 5% company and 4% employee contributions. If you are eligible, you will be automatically enrolled into the scheme after 3 months.
Holidays: 20 days per calendar year (full‑time equivalent), increasing by 1 day per year for each year of employment with the Trust, up to a maximum of 25 days, plus 9 days local/statutory holidays (FTE). The Trust usually closes for two weeks over the Christmas period and you will be expected to use some of your own holiday allowance in addition to any additional discretionary days which are offered.
Probation: There will be a probationary period of up to six months after which the appointment will be confirmed subject to a satisfactory performance review.
How to Apply
Interested parties should submit their cover letter outlining their suitability for the job including motivation for applying and Curriculum Vitae to sam@shbt.org.uk. Deadline is midnight on Monday, 11th May 2026.
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