Head of Finance & Resources - Social Enterprise Academy

Position: Head of Finance and Resources

Location: Edinburgh / Hybrid (50% office based)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £55,000-£60,000 (0.8 FTE = £44,000-£48,000)

Contract Type: Permanent / 28 Hours (0.8 FTE)

Social Enterprise Academy is seeking an experienced, strategic, and values-driven Head of Finance & Resources to lead its Finance & Resources function and play a key role in shaping the organisation’s future sustainability and growth. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to influence long-term strategy, ensure robust governance and compliance, and lead a high-performing team that supports the Academy’s mission to deliver learning and development that strengthens communities and social enterprises across Scotland and beyond.

About Social Enterprise Academy

Social Enterprise Academy is an award-winning social enterprise that delivers learning and development programmes for people and organisations working for social change. Through practical, accessible learning rooted in real experience, the Academy supports individuals, communities, and organisations to build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve greater social impact.

Operating across Scotland and through a growing international network, the Academy helps social entrepreneurs and change-makers to flourish. The organisation is driven by its values of learning, collaboration, and inclusivity — ensuring everyone can access opportunities to develop their potential and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable world.

As the Academy continues to grow, they are now seeking a Head of Finance & Resources who can bring strategic vision, strong financial leadership, and a collaborative approach to ensure sound management of the organisation’s finances, people, and resources.

What will you do as Head of Finance and Resources?

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the Finance & Resources function, ensuring the effective delivery of all financial, HR, governance, IT, and office management services. You will provide strategic insight and guidance to the CEO, Trustees, and senior colleagues, driving long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include:

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership of the Finance & Resources Team, ensuring alignment with the Academy’s strategic goals and embracing professional growth and development within the team.
• Development and oversight of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
• Management of financial accounting processes, ensuring robust controls, statutory compliance, and the production of statutory accounts.
• Delivery of timely management information, including monthly management accounts, cash flow reports, and insightful analysis to inform decision-making.
• Oversight of the annual audit process and management of relationships with auditors, banks, and key suppliers.
• Development of commercial pricing frameworks, critical appraisal of new project budgets, and support for bid processes to enhance income generation.
• Responsibility for all Company Secretary duties, GDPR compliance, and governance support to the Board and Sub-Committees.
• Acting as an effective business partner, identifying risks and opportunities, and driving performance improvement across the organisation.

What does Social Enterprise Academy need from you?

1. Experience:

• Qualified accountant with significant technical knowledge and strong commercial acumen.
• Proven experience leading financial planning, management accounting, and financial performance in a similar or larger organisation.
• Experience managing cash flow on both a short- and long-term basis.
• Experience leading and developing small, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience of working at senior leadership and Board level (desirable).
• Experience managing restricted income and reporting to grant funders (desirable).

2. Key Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with senior leaders, Trustees, and partners.
• Strategic and analytical thinker, able to provide clear financial insight and advice to support organisational goals.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks including Companies House, HMRC, OSCR, ICO, and GDPR.
• High level of computer literacy, including advanced Excel skills and familiarity with accounting software.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of HR and Health & Safety legislation.
• Understanding of the Charities SORP (desirable).

3. Behaviours:

• A credible and visible leader who models the Academy’s values and fosters a culture of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration.
• An empathetic and inspiring manager who motivates and mentors others to perform at their best.
• A proactive problem-solver who takes a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to decision-making.
• A committed advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• A reflective and supportive colleague who acts with kindness and professionalism.

What is in it for you?

This is a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a respected and growing social enterprise. As Head of Finance & Resources, you will:

• Have a 28 hour working week (0.8FTE) with the option for flexible working.

• Receive annual leave entitlement of 25 days plus 10 public holidays (pro rata).
• Obtain staff benefits include a company pension, an employee assistance programme and learning and development opportunities.
• Work in a flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with neurological conditions and their families.

This is your opportunity to bring your leadership, financial expertise, and values-driven approach to a dynamic social enterprise making a real difference across Scotland and internationally.

Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

Closing date: Tuesday 4th November at Midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 12^th November in Edinburgh

This search is being conducted for Social Enterprise Academy by BTA. Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.