At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for Scotland's tertiary education system.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to educational excellence in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and hybrid working options available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's education landscape while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- 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 in order to ensure financial commitments are able to be met from within the funds allocated to the SFC by the Scottish Government in each financial year.
- Take lead responsibility for SFC’s financial systems, procurement and controls, to ensure SFC effectively manages and distributes the funds allocated to it in accordance with professional accounting principles and practices and in full compliance with public sector accounting and procurement practices and the public finance manual.
- Lead the liaison with the Scottish Government on Spending Review priorities and pressures, to influence spending allocation decisions and to ensure policy priorities and commitments are considered explicitly within decisions about the budget settlement and funding allocations for skills, tertiary education and research.
- Lead the assessment of the financial health of the tertiary education sector and individual institutions, representing SFC in negotiations and discussions drawing on professional and technical knowledge, to maintain the financial viability and sustainability of the sector and institutions.
- Support the good decision‑making and governance exercised by the CEO, Board and Committees of SFC, through provision of sound financial analysis and advice to support senior executives and Board members understand the financial context for strategy formation and for key decisions.
- As a member of the Executive Team, provide collective leadership and direction to the organisation and its people, ensuring sustained delivery of its purpose, priorities and public value.
- Oversee the production of the statutory Annual Accounts, for audit and publication and laying before Parliament by the Scottish Ministers; interact with external auditors on all audit activities to negotiate and support appropriate reporting; and provide strong professional leadership for accounting and financial management issues within the sector with other UK, European funding bodies and auditors.
- Deputise for the Chief Executive in a range of engagements with senior external stakeholders, government and across SFC functions.
It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:
- Leadership – you must be a confident, visible and respected leader within and outside the organisation, setting a vision, providing direction and bringing solutions.
- Financial management – you will be a qualified accountant and have a strong track record at a strategic level of managing and accounting for the sound distribution of large multi‑million level budgets to other funded bodies or projects.
- Relationship Management – you must be effective in building relationships that generate confidence, respect and collaborative working at all levels.
- Securing Results – you will translate broad strategic ambitions into clear objectives and outcomes, work with others to improve our operational effectiveness, systems and processes and change where required.
- Strategy – successful experience of working at a senior level, developing operational and financial policy, planning ahead and contributing to the overall strategic development of the organisation.
- Evidence driven – you must be able to analyse complex data.
- Teamwork – you will empower others to contribute positively in collegiate settings and create a culture of high performance, inclusion and belonging.
- Personal Resilience – the determination, stamina and self‑awareness needed to look after yourself and those you lead.
Normal full‑time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. 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, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in‑person contact with colleagues.
Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite.
Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme. With its low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions, this gives you a secure, inflation‑proof pension for life with no investment uncertainty.
Support for continuous professional development: as a part of SFC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for continuous learning and professional development.
Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, free access to confidential advice and support through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
We provide support to SFC employees with Volunteering Days.
Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage and shower facilities, an interest‑free loan for bus or rail season tickets and free office car parking for employees on a first‑come basis.
Although most salaried roles are advertised as full‑time positions (35 hours a week), we are happy to discuss part‑time or compressed hours to suit a candidate's circumstances.
Director of Finance in Edinburgh 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 team to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the betterment of society through innovative financial strategies. Join us in Edinburgh, where your expertise will directly impact the future of education and research in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the role of Director of Finance. A friendly chat can lead to valuable referrals or insider info that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the organisation's mission and values. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with our ambition to enhance Scotland's education system. Tailor your responses to reflect our goals and demonstrate your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large budgets in the past. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and how you’ve driven results in previous roles.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to Scotland's educational landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Edinburgh
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:Since this role is all about financial strategy and governance, be sure to include specific examples of how you've managed large budgets or improved financial processes in your previous roles. We love numbers, so don't shy away from showcasing your quantitative skills!
Demonstrate Relationship Management Skills:This position requires strong relationship-building abilities, especially with senior stakeholders. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or influenced decisions at a high level. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex environments with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
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 Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the current financial landscape of the tertiary education sector in Scotland. Be ready to discuss how you can influence spending allocation decisions and align financial strategies with the Scottish Government's objectives.
✨Communicate Effectively
You’ll need to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms and prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with senior officials or ministers in the past.
