Head of Corporate Services in Edinburgh

Care Support Scotland is a charity with decades of experience supporting people across Scotland, providing those who need us with support that ranges from Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity, Youth and Adult Homelessness and Older People services. Guided by our values of Respect and Compassion, we empower both the people we support and our colleagues to Thrive every day.

Role Purpose

The Head of Corporate Services is a senior strategic leadership role responsible for the effective management and development of the organisation’s corporate functions, with a primary professional lead for finance, accounting and financial governance. The postholder will ensure strong financial stewardship, robust governance, and high‑quality corporate support that enables safe, effective and sustainable delivery of care and support services. The role plays a critical part in organisational resilience, assurance to the Board, and delivery of the Workforce Excellence and financial sustainability strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Act as the organisation’s lead officer for Corporate Services, contributing to the Senior Leadership Team and organisational strategy.
  • Provide clear, high‑quality assurance to the Board on financial performance, risk, compliance and governance.
  • Lead on organisational planning, budget setting and long‑term financial sustainability.
  • Ensure compliance with charity law, financial regulations, funder requirements, and internal governance frameworks.
• Finance & Accounting (Professional Lead)
  • Hold overall responsibility for financial management, accounting and control, including: Management accounts, budgets, forecasting and cashflow; Statutory accounts, external audit and year‑end processes; Payroll oversight and pension arrangements.
  • Ensure strong internal financial controls and risk management arrangements.
  • Translate financial information into clear, accessible reports for nonfinancial managers and Board members.
  • Support service areas with financial insight to drive performance, value for money and informed decision-making.
• Corporate Services Leadership
  • Provide strategic oversight of Corporate Services functions, including (as applicable): Finance and payroll; Governance and compliance; People and Culture; Digital systems and data; Corporate policies and procedures.
  • Lead and develop Corporate Services staff, promoting professional standards, accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure Corporate Services systems and processes are efficient, proportionate and fit for a growing care and support charity.
• Risk, Compliance & Assurance
  • Lead on corporate risk management, including maintenance of the organisational risk register.
  • Support regulatory compliance by providing financial and governance assurance that complements service‑level quality and Care Inspectorate requirements.
  • Ensure appropriate policies, delegations and controls are in place and reviewed regularly.
• Partnership & External Relationships
  • Act as the organisation’s senior professional contact for auditors, bankers, funders and external advisers.
  • Support funding, tender and contract arrangements through robust financial input and due diligence.
• Values & Leadership
  • Model compassionate, inclusive and values led leadership aligned to the organisation’s values and mission.
  • Promote a culture of openness, accountability and learning across Corporate Services and the wider organisation.
  • Champion equality, diversity, fair work and wellbeing in leadership practice.

Person Specification

• Essential Qualifications & Professional Status
  • CCAB-qualified accountant (ICAS, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
  • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in finance and/or leadership.
• Essential Experience
  • Senior level responsibility for finance and accounting, including budgets, management accounts, and statutory reporting.
  • Experience of working with or reporting to a Board or Trustees, providing clear financial assurance.
  • Leadership experience within a complex organisation, ideally within the third sector, health, social care or public service environment.
  • Experience of managing auditors and external financial scrutiny.
  • Proven ability to lead, manage and develop professional staff.
• Essential Skills & Knowledge
  • Strong technical knowledge of financial management, accounting standards and controls.
  • Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly to nonspecialists.
  • Sound understanding of risk management, governance and compliance.
  • Strategic thinking combined with strong operational discipline.
  • High level of integrity, judgement and professional credibility.
• Desirable Experience & Knowledge
  • Experience in the care and support, social care or charity sector.
  • Knowledge of Care Inspectorate, commissioning or local authority funding environments.
  • Experience contributing to organisational change, growth or transformation.
  • Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements (e.g. OSCR).
• Personal Attributes
  • Values driven, with a commitment to high‑quality care and support.
  • Calm, credible and resilient leader, able to operate effectively during change.
  • Collaborative and approachable, with the confidence to provide challenge where required.
  • Organised, analytical and solutions focused.

Why Work With Us?

At Care Support Scotland caring isn’t just a job, it’s who we are. Join our dedicated team and help transform lives while growing your own career. Benefits include:

• Pension contributions matched up to 6%.
• Financial Flexibility – Access your wages as you earn them with our Earned Wage Access benefit.
• Employee Assistance Programme through HSF.
• Contribution to HSF Health Plan – supporting your everyday health needs.
• Generous annual leave – 33 days including public holidays, increasing with service.
• Supportive absence policies to help when you need time off.
• Death in Benefit Cover – 2x annual salary.
• Support with funded qualifications.
• Career development and progression opportunities.