At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial control and high-quality reporting.
- Company: Join George Watson’s College, a values-led organisation in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive community with a clear sense of purpose and ambition.
- Other info: Excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a challenging yet rewarding role at a leading independent school.
- Qualifications: Strong technical expertise and collaborative skills are essential.
Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a senior, hands-on role within a values-led organisation? George Watson’s College is seeking a highly capable Head of Finance to take responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the school’s finance function, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting and strong governance across a large and complex organisation.
Watson’s operates at significant scale, with substantial income streams, complex cost bases and a charitable governance framework. The Head of Finance will play a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, strengthening systems and processes, and supporting informed decision making across the school.
Working closely with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, you will lead on financial control, statutory and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit and compliance. You will also oversee the effective operation of core finance processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency and continuous improvement.
We are looking for someone with strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a meticulous approach, who is equally comfortable working collaboratively with non-finance colleagues. You may come from outside the education sector; what matters most is your ability to bring rigour, professionalism and pace to a demanding but rewarding environment.
This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Scotland’s leading independent schools at a key point in its journey, in a role that is both challenging and highly valued. In return, you will be part of a supportive, values-driven community with a clear sense of purpose and ambition.
To apply for the post, please send a tailored CV and covering letter by Midnight on Tuesday 02 June 2026. The covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should summarise your relevant experience, technical strengths and motivation for applying.
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, please contact LHH or email the above address.
George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6. We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential. Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom. Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days. Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart.
Is your CV ready? If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.
Head of Finance in Edinburgh employer: Teacheroo
George Watson's College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the finance function within one of Scotland's leading independent schools. With a strong commitment to values-driven education, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration, all set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's vibrant city life. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and ambitious environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about roles that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your technical expertise and how you can contribute to financial integrity and governance at George Watson’s College.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a values-led organisation like George Watson’s College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience and technical strengths that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our values-led organisation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be no more than two pages of A4, so make every word count! Summarise your motivation for applying and how your background fits with our mission at George Watson’s College. This is your chance to show us your personality!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your financial control and reporting skills. We’re looking for someone who can maintain financial integrity and strengthen systems, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly. It’s the best way to make sure we see your fantastic CV and cover letter without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with finance but can also apply your knowledge effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading the finance function, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or collaborated with non-finance colleagues. Highlighting your ability to foster teamwork will resonate well.
✨Align with Their Values
George Watson’s College values aim high, be kind, join in, and respect all. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and prepare to discuss this during the interview. It’s a great way to show you’re a cultural fit for the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about their financial strategies, governance frameworks, or how they support continuous improvement. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking skills.
