At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management, ensuring sustainability and effective reporting for our organisation.
- Company: Join a vibrant festival team dedicated to artistic and charitable ambitions.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on organisational resilience and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy while supporting creative initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with significant senior financial management experience.
Contract Full-time, permanent (We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)
Salary £55k per annum
This is a newly created role with responsibility for financial management owned previously by the Executive Director, supported by the Head of Finance & Operations. In the refreshed structure, operational and finance functions are separated. The purpose of this role is to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed, and able to deliver its mission effectively.
You will lead the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and effective financial planning to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, collaborative role in a busy team, spanning both strategic and operational finance. Being a success in this role will essentially balance three things at the same time:
- Financial stability, control and risk management
- Artistic and charitable ambition
- Long-term organisational resilience and sustainable growth
Over the last two years, the Festival has refreshed a number of our platforms and ways of working, including updating our CRM, ticketing and finance systems (Xero). We have worked with an external consultancy firm who have reviewed our systems and processes in finance and recommended new approaches; we are seeking a financial leader who can continue to progress this transformation, embedding new systems and ways of working across the team, while managing the busy annual BAU finance operations.
We are in year two of a refreshed Strategic Plan, with a focus on building organisational resilience, maximising income and building new revenue streams; our new Finance Director will play a key role in realising these ambitions. The role will be the key liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial leadership
- Financial reporting and insight
- Festival and programme support
- Sustainability and development support
- Systems and data
- Compliance, governance and risk management
- Leadership and team management
Essential Knowledge, skills and experience:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience)
- Significant senior financial management experience including Xero accounting system
- Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
- Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits
- Strong understanding of financial controls and governance
- Experience presenting financial information to boards or trustees
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment
For full information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on Edinburgh International Book Festival Website.
Key Dates:
Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026. Please complete the online application using the links on our website. Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.
Finance Director in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh International Book Festival
As a Finance Director at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, you will join a vibrant and creative organisation dedicated to promoting literature and culture. We offer a supportive work environment that values flexibility, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally. With a focus on financial sustainability and innovative practices, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the rich cultural backdrop of Edinburgh.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh International Book Festival Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Finance Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly, especially their financial strategies and recent changes. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their goals will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work, especially any experience with Xero or financial transformations. Demonstrating your hands-on experience will give you an edge in the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience with financial management, especially using Xero, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of financial controls and governance, and how you can help us achieve our strategic goals.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements in previous roles. Whether it’s improving financial processes or leading successful audits, we want to know how you've made a difference in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh International Book Festival
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Be prepared to explain your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, especially using Xero.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your ability to manage teams and drive change. Prepare to discuss how you've led financial transformations or improved processes in previous positions, and how you can bring that experience to the organisation.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Festival's mission and strategic goals. Be ready to articulate how your financial strategies can support their artistic and charitable ambitions while ensuring long-term sustainability. This shows you're not just about numbers but also about the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be liaising with the Audit & Risk Committee, so practice how you'll present financial information clearly and effectively. Think of ways to engage stakeholders and communicate complex financial concepts in a straightforward manner. This will demonstrate your excellent communication skills.
