This Finance Manager job in Edinburgh with George Heriot's School is an outstanding opportunity for a fully qualified accountant to play a key part not just in the development of the finance department, but of the School as a whole. For nearly 400 years, George Heriot's has been one of Scotland's leading schools, with an enviable reputation for high academic standards, supportive pastoral care and its extra-curricular life. George Heriot's is more than a school, it's a tight-knit community of pupils, teachers, parents and former pupils alike. The Governors are proud to uphold George Heriot's legacy by providing supported education for the sons and daughters of widows and widowers.
As Finance Manager, you will have responsibility for the daily operation of the finance office and its team of staff, whilst directly supporting the Director of Finance in strategy development, planning and reporting to ensure the continued success of the School. Duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Monthly Management information preparation of timely including relevant and accurate monthly management accounts; Identifying and reporting on KPIs to the Director of Finance, the Senior Management Team and the Governors
- Statutory Reporting – Supporting the audit process, accounts preparation and audit queries / close
- Preparation and submission of VAT returns / Gift Aid claims / CT returns
- Processes and Controls – identification of risk areas, implementation and continuous improvement
- Ledger integrity – responsible for the integrity of the general ledger of the Trust and two wholly owned trading subsidiaries
- Budget preparation for the Trust and subcos
- Support the Director of Finance with investigations into the financial aspects of the different School areas with a view to improving efficiency and supporting the creation of business cases and provide appropriate challenge
To be successful, it is envisaged that you will be a fully qualified accountant (CA/ACCA/CIMA) with relevant post-qualifying experience gained in a similar role with a busy, professional SME environment. Previous experience of working in an educational or charity environment is not essential, though knowledge of Charities Statement of Recommended Practices (SORP) would be advantageous.
Crucial to your success will be your ability to work with and influence a wide stakeholder base and help to deliver solutions whilst undergoing a period of change. Excellent IT skills, particularly around Excel are taken as a given and it would be particularly advantageous if you have a proven ability to improve established systems and processes.
For a formal/informal conversation about this opportunity, in complete confidence and without obligation, please liaise with our retained advisor, Ivan McGeorge of McGeorge Appointments Ltd who would be delighted to speak with you about the opportunity specifically, and life at the School in general.
Additional Information
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. As such, the successful candidate will be required to gain membership of the PVG Scheme.
The role comes with a very attractive salary, a pension contribution up to 11% and 38 days holiday per annum. Hybrid working is also a possibility. There is huge scope for development in this role and the client is looking to move quickly and will interview as soon as relevant candidates are available, so please apply at your earliest convenience if you would be interested in a confidential, non-obligatory conversation about this opportunity.