Overview
Location: Edinburgh / Hybrid (c. 50% office based)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About Social Enterprise Academy
Social Enterprise Academy is an award-winning social enterprise that delivers learning and development programmes for people and organisations working for social change. Through practical, accessible learning rooted in real experience, the Academy supports individuals, communities, and organisations to build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve greater social impact.
Operating across Scotland and through a growing international network, the Academy helps social entrepreneurs and change-makers to flourish. The organisation is driven by its values of learning, collaboration, and inclusivity — ensuring everyone can access opportunities to develop their potential and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable world.
What will you do as Head of Finance and Resources?
As the Academy continues to grow, they are now seeking a Head of Finance & Resources who can bring strategic vision, strong financial leadership, and a collaborative approach to ensure sound management of the organisation’s finances, governance and resources.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership of the Finance & Resources Team, ensuring alignment with the Academy’s goals and supporting team development.
- Lead short and long-term financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting with a focus on sustainability.
- Manage accounting processes, statutory compliance, production of accounts, and the annual audit.
- Produce monthly management accounts, including analysis of Income & Expenditure, Balance Sheet, and cash flow, reporting to Board, Sub-Committees, and Senior Leadership.
- Develop commercial pricing frameworks, review project budgets, and support bids to enhance income generation.
- Act as a business partner to senior management, identifying risks, opportunities, and driving performance improvements.
- Review funder agreements, sales, and supplier contracts to optimise commercial benefit and minimise financial risk.
- Develop and maintain policies across the Finance & Resources Department.
What does Social Enterprise Academy need from you?
1. Experience:
- Significant experience in leading financial planning, management accounting and managing financial performance within a similar-sized or larger organisation.
- Experience of managing cash flow on both a short-term and longer-term basis.
- Experience of leading a small multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience of operating at Senior Leadership and Board level.
- Experience working with restricted income, grant funders and their reporting requirements (desirable).
2. Key Skills and Attributes:
- Qualified Accountant with significant technical knowledge and commercial skills.
- High degree of computer literacy (including advanced Excel skills) and knowledge of a variety of accounting software.
- Excellent relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with senior leaders, Trustees, and partners.
- Strategic and analytical thinker, able to provide clear financial insight and advice to support organisational goals.
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks including Companies House, HMRC, OSCR, ICO, and GDPR.
- High level of computer literacy, including advanced Excel skills and familiarity with accounting software.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
- Understanding of the Charities SORP (desirable).
3. Behaviours:
- A credible and visible leader who models the Academy’s values and promotes a culture of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration.
- Credible and visible ambassador for the Academy; able to lead stakeholder relationships, partnerships, and collaborative ventures.
- An empathetic and inspiring manager who motivates and mentors others to perform at their best.
- A proactive problem-solver who takes a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to decision-making.
- Promotes a culture of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, encouraging challenge, continual improvement, and business growth.
- A reflective and supportive colleague who acts with kindness and professionalism.
What is in it for you?
This is a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a respected and growing social enterprise. As Head of Finance & Resources, you will:
- Have a 28 hour working week (0.8FTE) with the option for flexible working.
- Receive annual leave entitlement of 25 days plus 10 public holidays (pro rata).
- Obtain staff benefits include a company pension, an employee assistance programme and learning and development opportunities.
- Work in a flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with neurological conditions and their families.
This is your opportunity to bring your leadership, financial expertise, and values-driven approach to a dynamic social enterprise making a real difference across Scotland and internationally.
How to Apply
Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.
Closing Date: Midnight 27th January 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 2nd February 2026
This search is being conducted for Social Enterprise Academy by BTA. Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.
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