Edinburgh Science is a world leader in creative science content and festival management, renowned for delivering high-quality events both locally and internationally.

We are best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival - the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a festival - as well as our science education outreach programmes, Generation Science and Careers Hive and our community engagement work. An increasing worldwide element shares our content, passion and expertise more widely through an extensive portfolio of international collaborations and projects.

We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our sales and marketing efforts to new heights.

About the role:

The Director of Finance is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring the financial health, sustainability, and compliance of Edinburgh Science.

This role provides strategic financial leadership, overseeing financial planning, governance, risk management, and operational efficiency across all areas of the organisation. The Director of Finance will work closely with the Board of Trustees, Senior Leadership Team, and external stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making while driving a culture of financial accountability and commercial awareness throughout the organisation.

With a diverse income portfolio–including grants, sponsorships, commercial partnerships, and commissioned work–this role plays a critical part in maximising financial performance and ensuring long-term resilience for Edinburgh Science’s local and international programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead on financial strategy, long-term sustainability planning, and budget forecasting to support organisational growth.
• Governance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with charity financial regulations, oversee audits, and manage financial risk.
• Financial Operations & Controls: Maintain robust financial management systems, ensuring accurate reporting, cash flow control, and cost efficiency.
• Commercial & Business Development: Support revenue generation through commercial projects, pricing models, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Contracts, Grants & Sponsorship Oversight: Manage financial aspects of funding agreements, ensuring compliance, reporting, and sustainability.
• Stakeholder & Team Leadership: Advise the Board, collaborate with leadership, and oversee financial aspects of operational and HR planning.

Key requirements:

Essential

• Accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) or extensive proven financial experience.
• Senior finance leadership experience, ideally in a charity, cultural, or international organisation.
• A commercial mindset, with experience in financial modelling for income-generating activities.
• Strong expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
• Proven ability to embed business planning into operational and programme teams.
• Experience in contract and funding agreement oversight, ensuring financial compliance.
• Excellent ability to present financial insights to non-finance stakeholders, including Boards and funders.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with an eye for operational efficiency.

Desirable

• Experience in fundraising finance, commercialisation, or financial planning for commissioned work.
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., Sage).
• Knowledge of international financial operations and multi-currency budgeting.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for international travel.
• A vibrant and supportive work environment.
• The chance to lead a passionate team and make a global impact.

How to Apply:

If you are a strategic finance leader and want to play a key role in shaping the future of Edinburgh Science, we want to hear from you.

To apply - https://sciencefestival.teamdetails.com/opportunity/256.

You will be asked to upload your current Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and suitability for the role. Please also include two references.

A full job description can be found here -https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Director-of-Finance-Full-JD.pdf

Please note that only applications submitted via our careers portal will be considered.

The closing date for applications is: Wednesday16th April 2025, 11:59pm

Interviews will be held: w/c 21st April 2025

Please note: By the start of any employment with Edinburgh Science, you must have the right to work in the UK and documentary evidence to support this.

Find out more about our Edinburgh Science here: www.edinburghscience.co.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH6 6NF

Reference ID: Director of Finance