Head of Support and Community Services in Livingston

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 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 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.