At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate services, ensuring financial governance and strategic oversight for a charity.
- Company: A well-established charity dedicated to supporting diverse needs across Scotland.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, matched pension contributions, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team committed to high-quality care and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with senior finance experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
RECRUITMENTiQ is working alongside a charity with decades of experience supporting people across Scotland, covering a range of needs from Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity, Youth and Adult Homelessness and Older People services, to assist in their search for a Head of Corporate Services in Edinburgh.
Role Purpose
The Head of Corporate Services is a senior strategic leadership role responsible for the effective management and development of the organisations 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 organisations 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 non-financial 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 organisations 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 organisations 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 non-specialists.
- 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?
- Join our dedicated team and help transform lives while growing your own career.
- 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.
Please send a copy of your up to date CV and cover letter, detailing your suitability for the role.
Head of Corporate Services in Livingston employer: RECRUITMENTiQ
Join a compassionate charity in Edinburgh that has been transforming lives for decades, offering a supportive work culture and a commitment to employee growth. As the Head of Corporate Services, you will benefit from generous annual leave, matched pension contributions, and access to financial flexibility options, all while playing a pivotal role in ensuring the organisation's financial sustainability and governance. This is an opportunity to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Services in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those who work in corporate services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and mission. Show us how your leadership style aligns with their goals, especially around financial stewardship and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed budgets, and ensured compliance in previous roles. We love hearing about real-life experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Services in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Corporate Services role. Highlight your experience in finance, governance, and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our charity’s goals. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We value compassionate and inclusive leaders who can drive change and foster a positive culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RECRUITMENTiQ
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Corporate Services, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and cash flow in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can provide the financial assurance they need.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with charity law and the specific governance frameworks relevant to the organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions, as this role requires a solid understanding of risk management and regulatory requirements.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role is all about strategic leadership, so come armed with examples of how you've led teams in complex environments. Highlight your experience in developing staff and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, which aligns with the organisation's values.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to translate complex financial information into accessible reports for non-financial managers and Board members. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, as effective communication is key to ensuring everyone understands the financial landscape of the organisation.