At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and ensure sustainability for a vibrant arts organisation.
- Company: Join a dynamic festival with a mission to inspire and engage through literature.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving transformation in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while shaping financial strategies for long-term success.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior financial management experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
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 (Temporary) employer: Edinburgh International Book Festival
Join a dynamic and innovative team at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where we prioritise financial sustainability and artistic ambition. As a Finance Director, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that values flexibility and employee growth, with opportunities to lead transformative financial initiatives in a vibrant environment. Our commitment to professional development and a supportive atmosphere makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh International Book Festival Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director (Temporary)
✨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. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly around financial sustainability and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed financial controls and risk in previous roles. Highlight your experience with Xero and any successful transformations you've led in finance operations.
✨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 (Temporary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial management, especially with systems like Xero. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific responsibilities of the Finance Director role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about financial leadership, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others while managing the busy finance operations.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the selection process.
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. Think about examples from your previous experience where you led a team through change or implemented new systems. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and manage a busy finance team while ensuring operational excellence.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and strategic goals. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their artistic and charitable ambitions. Showing that you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Since you'll be liaising with the Audit Risk Committee, expect questions around compliance and governance. Brush up on your understanding of financial controls and risk management. Have examples ready that illustrate your experience in these areas, as it will show your readiness for this responsibility.
