At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Finance Committee to oversee financial management and decision-making.
- Company: Scottish Funding Council, dedicated to supporting education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in finance and contribute to impactful decisions.
- Other info: Unremunerated role with travel expenses covered; hybrid meetings throughout the year.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the education sector while enhancing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting, financial management, and strong analytical skills required.
The SFC is currently looking for a new external member to join its Finance Committee and to contribute to the oversight of the financial management and decision making of the organisation. The Finance Committee is a sub-committee of the SFC Board and advises the Board by considering the key outputs of the executive’s monitoring of the financial health of colleges and universities and by scrutinising the financial position of SFC.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the high-level oversight of all financial aspects of SFC.
- Provide appropriate strategic guidance, insight and challenge and offer specialist sector expertise.
- Review and monitor the financial health of institutions and funded bodies and make recommendations to the Board.
- Review the medium-term financial planning and recommend to the Board its approval and any subsequent changes.
- Scrutinise the annual budgets for programme fund, for both financial (April to March) and academic (August to July) years, prepared by the SFC Executive and recommend to the Board their adoption.
- Review the financial aspects of the annual report and accounts for consistency with financial information reviewed by the Committee during the year.
As an external member of the Finance Committee, you would be expected to make a full contribution to the work of the committee and bring relevant expertise and experience to this key area of work. This is an unremunerated role (travel and expenses incurred through the attendance of meetings will be reimbursed) and offers a unique opportunity to work with dedicated and expert colleagues supporting the vital work of our Board. The Finance Committee meets multiple times a year and the committee meetings are a mix of in person and virtual. Committee meetings planned for 2026 are due to take place on the following dates:
- Thursday 11 June 2026
- Tuesday 15 September 2026
- Thursday 8 October 2026
- Thursday 3 December 2026
Interviews for the above post are planned to take place Tuesday 28 April via Teams.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Accounting experience, particularly in respect of financial management and financial reporting, budgets and medium to long term financial plans.
- Skills and experience in overseeing the management of investments.
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interrogate and interpret complex information and participate fully in Committee deliberations.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively, identify key issues, and reach balanced conclusions.
- Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality.
At least one of these:
- Knowledge or experience of the tertiary education sector.
- An understanding and/or experience of college sector funding.
- An understanding of the role of the further and higher education sectors to provide high quality teaching and research and to provide economic, social and cultural value to society.
- An understanding of the external pressures in the further and higher education sectors and the challenges facing universities and colleges to overcome these.
- Proven ability to work effectively within the public sector requirements for accountability and openness and within financial constraints.
External committee members would be required to comply with SFC’s Model Code of Conduct. Further information about the committee and its current members can be found on our website. Applicants are required to submit their CV and provide a short personal statement (no more than 500 words) setting out an overview of the skills and knowledge that they have to offer and why they feel suitable to serve on this committee.
External Member of the Finance Committee employer: Scottish Funding Council
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for external members to contribute to the financial oversight of higher education in Scotland. With a hybrid working model based in Edinburgh, SFC fosters a collaborative work culture that values expertise and strategic insight, while providing opportunities for professional growth and engagement with dedicated colleagues committed to enhancing the educational landscape. This unremunerated role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the financial health of colleges and universities, all while enjoying the flexibility of virtual and in-person meetings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Member of the Finance Committee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector or education field. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities and even recommendations that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the SFC and its Finance Committee. Understand their recent projects and challenges. This will help us show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of an external member. Highlight your experience in financial management and how it can benefit the committee's oversight.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace External Member of the Finance Committee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your accounting experience and any relevant skills in financial management. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise and focus on why you’re the perfect fit for the Finance Committee. Share specific examples of your experience and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We’re looking for someone who can interrogate complex information. In your application, highlight instances where you've successfully analysed financial data or made strategic recommendations. This will show us you can contribute effectively to our discussions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Funding Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial management and reporting skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to oversee budgets and financial plans. This will show the committee that you have the expertise they’re looking for.
✨Research the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the tertiary education sector, especially the funding challenges faced by colleges and universities. Understanding these pressures will help you provide valuable insights during the interview and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the Finance Committee's current projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also your analytical skills and ability to engage in meaningful discussions about financial oversight.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, focus on how you articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively. Highlight your experience in collaborative environments and your ability to reach balanced conclusions, as these are key skills for an external member of the Finance Committee.
