Description
ASA Recruitment’s client, a Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh, are currently looking to recruit a Head of Finance on a hybrid basis, on initial 8 month contracts (with potential extensions) on a rate of c.£450-550/day inside of IR35 (based on experience).
The Role:
This interim role provides vital continuity following the departure of the current Head of Finance on 1 January 2026. It will lead the organization’s financial accounting, reporting, planning and procurement functions during the most intensive period of the organisation’s annual financial cycle, including the 2025-2026 Annual Report and Accounts, consolidation returns, budget setting following the 13 January SG Budget, and audit processes.
The postholder will provide senior financial leadership across the organisation. They will regularly attend the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee to support assurance and audit activity, attend the organisation’s Board as required on matters relating to financial governance and budget strategy, and participate in quarterly Executive Team performance meetings to advise on financial risk, budget position and organisational performance. The role also requires close engagement with Directors, senior colleagues across the organisation and other key stakeholders to ensure effective stewardship and financial assurance across the organisation.
Responsibilities:
1. Lead and manage the organisation’s finance function, including financial accounting, financial planning, procurement, loan book reporting, fraud and recoveries, and programme financial management.
2. Provide authoritative professional advice to the Chief Executive, Directors and the Board on all aspects of financial governance, risk, controls, investment decisions and budget sustainability.
3. Prepare the Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with the FReM, SPFM and relevant legislative and audit requirements.
4. Lead on planning, forecasting and in-year budget management, ensuring accurate reporting.
5. Liaise with Internal Audit throughout the year, providing evidence, responses and assurances on audit recommendations.
6. Present complex financial information to a range of audiences, supporting organisational decision making and ensuring senior leaders have clear, timely insight into financial risks and opportunities.
7. Exercise senior responsibility for the organisation’s procurement and contract oversight, ensuring alignment with relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
8. Support the organisation’s major programmes by providing financial scrutiny, risk advice and integration with programme governance.
9. Lead, develop and motivate finance teams, embedding a learning culture and ensuring the team is equipped to meet statutory, technical and organisational requirements.
Essential Experience:
10. A fully qualified accountant, with relevant qualification in an accountancy environment with up to date CPD.
11. Strong technical expertise in financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting.
12. A proven understanding of the FReM, SPFM and audit requirements, ideally in a public sector organisation.
13. The ability to analyse financial proposals, advise on policy implications and ensure robust financial governance.
14. Extensive experience operating at a senior level in a finance environment, preferably within the public sector.
15. Experience leading high quality financial reporting, statutory accounts and external audit engagement.
16. Executive experience in budget and business planning aligned with corporate objectives.
17. Ability to work in a complex and ambiguous financial landscape, providing clear advice and insight to senior stakeholders.
18. Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging with senior stakeholders.
19. Experience leading teams through periods of significant operational pressure and organisational change.
20. Experience supporting or leading major programmes and financial scrutiny of change activity.