At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial control and high-quality reporting.
- Company: Join a values-led organisation making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a rewarding and dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial integrity in a large, complex organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong finance expertise, excellent judgement, 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.
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.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage the day‑to‑day finance function for the school.
- Provide robust financial control and governance.
- Prepare statutory and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit and compliance work.
- Oversee core finance processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with non‑finance colleagues to support informed decision‑making.
- Strong technical expertise in finance and accounting.
- Excellent judgement and a meticulous approach.
- Experience in financial control, reporting and compliance.
- Capability to work within a charitable governance framework.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with non‑finance stakeholders.
Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, Scotland.
To apply, 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.
For a confidential, informal discussion, contact LHH at +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.
Head of Finance in Edinburgh employer: The Independent Schools Council
George Watson’s College is an exceptional employer that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth. Located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, we offer a supportive work culture where finance professionals can thrive, with opportunities for continuous improvement and meaningful contributions to our charitable mission. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises high-quality financial governance while fostering a rewarding environment for personal and professional development.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
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, especially those who have experience in educational institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical expertise and understanding of financial governance. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to budgeting and compliance to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Finance role. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and how you align with the values of 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 in financial control, reporting, and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be no more than two pages of A4, so make every word count! Summarise your experience and motivation for applying, and explain how you can bring rigour and professionalism to our finance function.
Showcase Collaboration Skills:Since you'll be working closely with non-finance colleagues, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked with diverse teams to support informed decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a values-led organisation like George Watson’s College!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your strong technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial control and reporting in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also interpret them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with non-finance colleagues, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight instances where your financial insights have supported decision-making, showcasing your ability to communicate complex information clearly.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Given the charitable governance framework, expect questions about compliance and governance. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured robust governance in your past roles. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges in a charity setting.
✨Tailor Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it’s tailored to the role at George Watson’s College. Highlight your motivation for applying and how your experience aligns with their values-led approach. A well-crafted letter can set you apart from other candidates.
