Head of Finance

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.

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.

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.