At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and support for innovative ventures at the University of Edinburgh.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Innovations, a hub of collaboration and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 40 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values bold ideas and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in venture capital and innovation while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with a commercial mindset and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 48137 - 58379 £ per year.
This is an exciting, dual-focused corporate finance role offering a unique view of the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation ecosystem. Sitting at the intersection of venture capital and cutting-edge innovation, the role features a structured, protected split of responsibilities:
- Leading valuation reporting, statutory compliance, and data systems for the University’s active venture fund, Old College Capital (OCC).
- Post-Deal finance support for Technology Transfer, performing commercial financial analysis, royalty auditing, and risk evaluations for our high-value licensing portfolio.
- Strategic financial insights and collaborating across Edinburgh Innovations (EI) and University Finance.
This post is fixed term for 18 months (35 hours per week). The salary for this post is Grade 8 £48,137 to £58,379 per annum.
The experience and qualities we are looking for:
- Professionally Qualified Accountant (member of ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW or ICAS)
- UK GAAP (FRS 102) and working knowledge of relevant guidelines including IPEV
- Fair value valuation analysis of early-stage companies
- Performance analysis and insightful reporting to support decision-making processes
- Commercial mindset and can-do attitude
Depending on the successful candidate's experience and capability, this role may include line management responsibilities. Candidates with previous people management experience are encouraged to highlight this in their application, although it is not an essential requirement.
At Edinburgh Innovations (EI), our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative, Progressive and Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. We’re always looking forward, embracing change, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries to grow. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, encouraging creativity and fresh thinking at every level of the business. If you thrive in a team-driven environment that values bold ideas and continuous improvement, you’ll fit right in.
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. At EI we celebrate diversity in all its forms and actively seek to create a team that reflects the communities around us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities because different perspectives make us stronger.
As a valued member of our team, you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that’s as rewarding as it is challenging
- A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement
- A comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (currently 3.5/4.5% employee and 9/14.5% employer contributions), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more
- Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements
At EI, we look for people who live our core behaviours in everything they do:
- You work well with others, build strong relationships, and believe that teamwork drives better outcomes.
- You're curious, creative, and not afraid to challenge the norm to find smarter solutions.
- You take responsibility for your work, follow through on commitments, and are driven to deliver results.
- You seek feedback, grow from experiences, and are always looking to improve.
- You genuinely care about the impact of your work on colleagues, customers, and the wider community.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter that tells us why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. You will be required to provide documentation as part of the recruitment process to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
The closing date for applications is 21st August at 12 Noon. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. Interviews will be held in early September 2026.
Senior Finance Lead employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. With over 400 years of history, it provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive community of more than 17,000 staff and 50,000 students. As a leading research-intensive university, it empowers its employees to drive organisational transformation and innovate in a dynamic environment, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Lead
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like University of Edinburgh.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like University of Edinburgh might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at University of Edinburgh will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at University of Edinburgh. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give University of Edinburgh confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with University of Edinburgh.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure University of Edinburgh that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
