At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operational oversight for a renowned cultural institution.
- Company: Dovecot Studios, a landmark centre for contemporary art in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 37 days holiday, group pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a century-old institution while supporting artistic collaboration.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong financial expertise.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to making art accessible to wider audiences.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
W&A is delighted to be partnering with Dovecot Studios to appoint a Head of Finance Resources. This is a pivotal leadership role within the organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy and operational infrastructure while supporting one of Scotland's most distinctive cultural institutions.
About Dovecot Studios: Dovecot is a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design located in the heart of Edinburgh. Built around one of the world's leading tapestry studios, Dovecot collaborates with internationally renowned artists to create extraordinary artworks while delivering a vibrant programme of exhibitions, events and educational initiatives. With a heritage spanning more than a century, Dovecot continues to champion artistic collaboration, craftsmanship and cultural engagement, bringing contemporary creative practice to wider audiences through exhibitions, partnerships and public programmes.
The Opportunity: As Head of Finance Resources, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the Director and Board to support the organisation's strategic direction and long-term sustainability. This role combines strategic financial leadership with operational oversight, spanning governance, facilities, HR administration and organisational infrastructure. You will lead financial planning, reporting and compliance while supporting the business to grow commercial and charitable income.
- Lead financial management across the Dovecot group, including budgeting, forecasting and financial strategy.
- Prepare annual budgets and produce quarterly management accounts with clear variance analysis and insights.
- Support senior leadership and the Board with financial planning, performance monitoring and strategic decision-making.
- Oversee accounting processes using SAGE, ensuring robust internal controls and accurate financial records.
- Manage the annual audit process and liaise with auditors, advisers and regulatory bodies including OSCR and HMRC.
- Oversee payroll, VAT returns, cashflow management and banking relationships.
- Act as Company Secretary, supporting governance, board reporting and compliance obligations.
- Provide financial appraisal for projects, funding applications and commercial initiatives.
- Oversee facilities management, health safety, IT services and operational infrastructure.
- Support HR administration and the development of organisational policies and processes.
Candidate Profile: We are keen to hear from candidates who bring a blend of strong financial expertise and collaborative leadership. You may be:
- A CCAB qualified accountant, or qualified by experience with strong technical accounting knowledge.
- Experienced in financial management, reporting and compliance, ideally within a charity, arts or not-for-profit organisation (although this is not essential).
- Familiar with charity accounting (SORP), VAT and regulatory requirements such as OSCR and HMRC (desirable).
- Comfortable working with SAGE and advanced Excel.
- An excellent communicator who can present financial information clearly to senior stakeholders and non-financial colleagues.
- Experienced in supporting governance processes and working with boards or trustees.
- Organised, adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative and creative environment.
Package Benefits: Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 plus benefits. 37 days holiday including public holidays. Group pension scheme. Full-time role (40 hours per week). This is an onsite role in Edinburgh, with some flexibility depending on organisational and event requirements. A collaborative approach will be taken to working arrangements for the right candidate.
Why Join Dovecot? Play a strategic leadership role within one of the world's leading tapestry studios. Contribute to an organisation with a century-long heritage of artistic collaboration and cultural impact. Work closely with the Director, senior leadership team and the Board to shape financial and operational strategy. Join a passionate team dedicated to bringing contemporary art and craft to wider audiences.
To Apply: To learn more or apply, please contact Andrea Green, Director at Wilkinson Associates, for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we will be in touch.
Head of Finance & Resources in Old Town employer: Wilkinson and Associates
Contact Detail:
Wilkinson and Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance & Resources in Old Town
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and finance sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Dovecot Studios!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dovecot Studios thoroughly. Understand their mission, recent projects, and financial strategies. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your financial expertise can support Dovecot’s goals. Highlight your experience with budgeting, compliance, and strategic planning, and how these skills can help them grow both commercially and charitably.
✨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 the team at Dovecot Studios and ready to take on this pivotal role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Resources in Old Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial expertise and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can contribute to Dovecot Studios!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with Dovecot's mission. Let us know what excites you about working in a cultural institution.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: Since this role involves financial management, be sure to include specific examples of your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from sharing your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilkinson and Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance & Resources, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy that showcase your expertise.
✨Understand the Organisation
Dovecot Studios is all about contemporary art and cultural engagement. Familiarise yourself with their mission, recent exhibitions, and any financial challenges they might face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Since this role involves supporting governance and working with boards, expect questions around compliance and regulatory requirements. Be ready to discuss your experience with charity accounting and how you've navigated audits or liaised with regulatory bodies like OSCR and HMRC.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This position requires collaborative leadership. Think about how you've led teams in the past, especially in creative environments. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've fostered teamwork and supported senior leadership in strategic decision-making.