Head of Finance

Job Description We are seeking an experienced Head of Finance to join our senior management team and play a key role in shaping our strategy, financial sustainability and operational excellence.
As a leading Scottish children’s healthcare charity, operating within a group structure that includes both charitable and trading subsidiaries, we raise between £4-5 million per annum. We deliver meaningful impact through services, grant funding and community engagement.
This role has arisen due to the pending retirement of our current Head of Finance, who has been with the organisation for 21 years.
Role Purpose
To lead and develop the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring robust financial governance, effective risk management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and the delivery of management reporting across the group structure.
You will also support strategic decision-making and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
Lead on financial strategy and planning across the group structure.
Work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to inform strategic and operational decisions.
Advise on financial implications of strategic plans, investments, funding opportunities, and organisational growth.
Seeking software solutions to automate processing and accounts preparation.
Financial Management & Reporting
Oversee all financial functions including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and reserves management.
Lead the preparation of management accounts, statutory annual accounts (in compliance with the Charities SORP and UK GAAP), and consolidated accounts for the group.
Present clear financial reports for the Board of Trustees and Finance & Legal Committee.
Control and management of group bank accounts and financial systems.
Responsibility for group transactions, payments and payroll.
Group Structure Oversight
Ensure appropriate financial controls, governance, and reporting across both the parent charity and its multiple subsidiaries.
Work with subsidiary boards, committees and managers to align financial practices and optimise performance.
Governance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with OSCR, HMRC, Companies House, and other relevant bodies.
Lead on the annual audit process, acting as primary liaison with external auditors.
Maintain and develop finance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Leadership & Team Development
Manage and support the finance team to deliver high-quality service across the organisation.
Foster a culture of financial awareness and accountability throughout the charity.
Contribute as a proactive member of the senior management team.
Other
Willingness to attend charitable events and activities, often out with core working hours including evenings and weekends.
Networking.
Build relationships with key stakeholders including NHS staff, suppliers and volunteers.
Continuous professional development. Any other duties as required by the CEO.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
Qualified accountant (e.g., CA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
Experience in charity finance, including SORP, restricted funding, and fund accounting.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Proven line management experience.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
UK driving license and access to vehicle.
Willingness to drive Charity van on occasion, with training.
PVG will be required.
Desirable criteria
Experience in a Scottish charity context and knowledge of OSCR regulations.
Experience working in a group structure, with knowledge of intercompany transactions and consolidated accounts.
Experience of working with trading subsidiaries.
Familiarity with fundraising and grant reporting.
Experience of working with volunteers.
Experience of Sage and Excel financial modelling skills.
Experience of Raisers Edge NXT
Benefits
We care about ourteam and have a range of financial and work-life benefits that make Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity a great place to work, including:
Benchmarked, competitive salary
5% employer pension contribution
Blue Light Card discounts
Flexible working policy
Enhanced maternity pay (after 2 years)
Employee HealthPlan including counselling support, personal accident cover, financial support for optical, dental and chiropody treatments and Bike 2Work scheme
10 public/ bank holidays each year
A bonus day off on your birthday
Time off in lieu (TOIL) for additional hours worked at events and out-of-hours support
Continued professional development including training, membership of professional bodies and progression opportunities
To apply for this position please email your CV and cover letter