At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for Scotland's tertiary education system.
- Company: Scottish Funding Council, dedicated to educational innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, generous leave, and a secure pension scheme.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's education landscape while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 108129 - 128487 € per year.
Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
Department: Finance
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Edinburgh - Hybrid
Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer
Compensation: Director £108,129 to £128,487. Civil Service Pension with Employer Contribution of 28.97%. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working.
Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to learn, educate, research and innovate, so that all of our nation can flourish. Our purpose is to create and sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation that changes lives for the better, enriches society and supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The purpose of this role as Director of Finance, is to lead financial strategy, governance and assurance, enabling delivery of SFC’s objectives while ensuring the effective and proper use of public funds.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the management of all SFC budgets and expenditure with individual institutions and funded bodies, programme activities and SFC’s running costs.
- Take lead responsibility for SFC’s financial systems, procurement and controls.
- Lead the liaison with the Scottish Government on Spending Review priorities and pressures.
- Lead the assessment of the financial health of the tertiary education sector and individual institutions.
- Support the good decision‑making and governance exercised by the CEO, Board and Committees of SFC.
- Oversee the production of the statutory Annual Accounts, for audit and publication.
- Deputise for the Chief Executive in a range of engagements with senior external stakeholders.
- Leadership – confident, visible and respected leader, setting a vision and providing direction.
- Financial management – qualified accountant with a strong track record at a strategic level.
- Relationship Management – effective in building relationships that generate confidence and respect.
- Securing Results – translate broad strategic ambitions into clear objectives and outcomes.
- Strategy – successful experience of working at a senior level, developing operational and financial policy.
- Evidence driven – ability to analyse complex data and communicate effectively.
- Teamwork – empower others to contribute positively in collegiate settings.
- Personal Resilience – determination, stamina and self‑awareness needed to sustain effectiveness.
- Normal full‑time hours of work are 35 per week.
- Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro‑rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro‑rata.
- A flexible approach to hybrid working.
- Annual pay review within the framework of the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy.
- Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
- Support for continuous professional development.
- Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay.
- Support for travel to and from work.
- We are happy to discuss part‑time or compressed hours to suit a candidate's circumstances.
- We will consider secondment applications for most salaried fixed‑term or temporary positions.
Director of Finance employer: Scottish Funding Council
As a leading organisation in Scotland's tertiary education sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to continuous learning, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the betterment of society through education and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the SFC. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the SFC’s recent projects and financial strategies. Show us you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands our mission and can contribute to it!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and financial expertise align with our goals. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate teams while managing complex budgets.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Finance role. Highlight your leadership experience, financial management skills, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of financial strategy and governance. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed large budgets and influenced financial decisions. This is your chance to shine!
Communicate Clearly and Confidently:We love clear communication! Make sure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, especially when discussing complex financial concepts. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can engage with a variety of stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Funding Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed large budgets in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to forecast and model financial scenarios.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think about times when you've led teams through change. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated staff and built collaborative partnerships, especially in challenging situations.
✨Understand the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current financial landscape of the tertiary education sector in Scotland. Be ready to discuss recent funding reforms and how they impact financial strategy. This will show your awareness of the broader context in which the SFC operates.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you demonstrate your communication skills and ensure that everyone understands the financial implications of decisions.
