Head of Finance

Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity, with a proud history stretching back to 1839. With a turnover of circa £20m, over 300 colleagues, 900 volunteers and animal centres across the country, the organisation plays a vital role in protecting domestic, farm and wild animals. Highly trusted by the public and supported by around 45,000 regular donors, Scottish SPCA is both a household name and a charity with real influence across Scotland.

The charity is entering an exciting period of renewal and innovation, with a clear ambition to modernise how it operates while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to prevent animal suffering. Financial leadership is central to this journey, ensuring strong stewardship, sustainability and the confidence to invest in future impact.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Head of Finance will lead the Finance function and play a key role in modernising financial management, systems and ways of working across the organisation. This is a hands‑on leadership role offering real breadth, influence and development — ideal for an experienced Finance Business Partner or qualified accountant ready to step into a senior, organisation‑wide role and help shape the future of a values‑led charity.

You will balance strong technical delivery with forward‑looking business partnering, bringing insight, challenge and innovation to support decision‑making, fundraising growth and long‑term planning.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate the Finance Team, building capability and modern, high‑performing ways of working.
• Own monthly management accounts, analysis and commentary, providing insight that supports confident decision‑making.
• Lead the annual business planning and budgeting process, developing a rolling three‑year financial plan.Oversee year‑end accounts and audit, working closely with auditors, trustees and budget holders.
• Drive improvement in finance systems, processes and controls, reducing manual effort and supporting organisational change.

About you

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent), with strong post‑qualification experience.
• Likely coming from a Finance Business Partner, Senior Management Accountant ready for a step up or someone drawn to the role for other reasons.
• Experience within the charity or not‑for‑profit sector strongly preferred, or a clear motivation to move into it.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage non‑finance colleagues and influence at senior level.
• Curious, positive and change‑oriented, with an interest in modernising systems, processes and ways of working.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a passion and motivation for change, developing a team and improving services and working practices. You will support one of Scotland’s flagship charitable organisations through this period of development.

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