At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, ensuring robust control and high-quality reporting.
- Company: Join George Watson’s College, a values-driven organisation in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive community with a clear sense of purpose.
- Other info: Excellent opportunity for career growth in a prestigious independent school.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a challenging and rewarding finance role.
- Qualifications: Strong finance expertise and collaborative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer to provide financial control, statutory and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit and compliance.
- Oversee the effective operation of core finance processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency and continuous improvement.
- Lead day‑to‑day finance leadership, ensuring robust financial control, high‑quality reporting and strong governance.
- Maintain financial integrity, strengthen systems and processes and support informed decision making across a large and complex organisation.
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.
Application Details
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.
Senior Finance Leader — Control, Reporting & Strategy 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 and community, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration, all set in the vibrant city of Edinburgh. This role not only promises a challenging and rewarding environment but also allows for meaningful contributions to the financial integrity and governance of a prestigious educational institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Leader — Control, Reporting & Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just a finance whiz but also someone who aligns with their mission and can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial control and reporting can directly benefit the school. We want to hear how you can bring rigour and professionalism to their finance function.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and motivation for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Leader — Control, Reporting & Strategy
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 in financial control, reporting, and governance to show us you’re the perfect fit for 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 technical strengths and motivation for applying, and don’t forget to connect your experience with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:We’re looking for someone who can work well with non-finance colleagues. In your application, share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our supportive community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website by the deadline! This ensures we receive all applications in the right format and helps us keep track of everything efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the education sector. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong day-to-day finance leadership. Prepare examples of how you've led teams effectively, ensuring robust financial control and governance. Think about times when you’ve improved processes or systems and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
George Watson’s College is a values-led organisation. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work in a charitable governance framework and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current financial challenges or how they measure success in the finance function. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the position.
