Head of Finance – Agency

Scottish Development International

. Lead and manage the professional Finance function .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomLead💰 £62,111 - £77,439 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expert-level Financial Management and Reporting, Stakeholder Management, and People Management. Proven ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and lead finance teams effectively while ensuring financial governance and operational delivery.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CCAB QualifiedFinancial ManagementStakeholder ManagementPeople ManagementTechnical Financial Accounting

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Financial ReportingBudget ManagementFinancial AnalysisStatutory AuditGovernance SkillsChange ManagementOperational DeliveryPerformance ReportingFinancial StewardshipTechnical Accounting

Soft Skills

CommunicationLeadershipPlanningPrioritisationRelationship Building

Certifications & Qualifications

CCAB QualificationCPD

Industry Keywords

SAASScottish GovernmentFinancial GovernanceContinuous ImprovementOperational Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage the professional Finance function
Lead SAAS Agency Finance, Procurement, Fraud and Recovery functions
Ensure effective financial stewardship, operational delivery, financial governance and performance reporting to the SAAS Executive Team and Board
Oversee and deliver the SAAS Annual Report and Accounts
Lead the statutory audit and associated tasks within agreed timeframes
Lead annual budget processes and provide in-year budget management support
Provide technical accounting and budgeting advice, financial analysis and scrutiny of financial proposals
Present complex financial information clearly to support organisational decision-making
Advise on financial implications of Scottish Government policy developments
Build relationships with Scottish Government, auditors, regulators, oversight bodies and professional networks
Champion continuous professional development, integrity, accountability and continuous improvement
Work with the Programme finance lead on financial stewardship, controls, governance and sustainable financial planning
Represent the finance function, contribute to corporate strategy and organisational performance, and provide challenge and support to the Executive Team and Board
Attend in person at least 6 days per month, with more regular attendance as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Fully CCAB qualified with up-to-date CPD
Relevant post-qualified experience in an accountancy environment
Expert-level Financial Management and Reporting
Expert-level Stakeholder Management and Communication
Expert-level People Management and Operational Leadership
Strong technical financial accounting and governance skills
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and succinctly to finance and non-finance audiences
Experience implementing and managing effective, sustainable change
Experience modifying and improving behaviours, systems and controls
Strong planning and prioritisation skills
Ability to manage a diverse workload and team
Experience providing effective leadership to finance teams with direct line management of staff
Seeing the bigger picture (Level 4)
Delivering at Pace (Level 4)
Existing and ongoing right to work in the UK
Successful completion of BPSS pre-employment checks
CV and supporting statement of no more than 1000 words

Benefits

Comp & perks

35 hours per week
Flexible and hybrid working options
Flexible working patterns considered in line with business needs
SAAS office fully closed between Christmas and New Year
Supportive and inclusive working environment
Wide range of employee benefits
Professional development and professional excellence support
Public and Privilege holiday arrangements