Chief Financial Officer

Hutcheon Mearns; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in Aberdeen is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead its financial strategy and support operational transformation. This full-time position requires a qualified accountant with extensive experience in senior financial roles and a deep understanding of charity finance. Key responsibilities include developing financial plans, managing property portfolios, and promoting a values-led culture within the organization.

Benefits

Pension: 7.25% Employer Contribution

25 days leave rising to 29

9 flexible Public Holidays

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in senior financial leadership roles within complex organisations.
• Proven expertise in managing large property portfolios and delivering asset-based strategies.
• Deep understanding of charity finance, governance, and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Support the CEO, Board, and Executive Team in setting and executing the organisation’s vision and strategic plan.
• Lead the development of financial and investment strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Drive a high-performing finance and corporate service function.

Skills

Leadership

Financial strategy

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

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Hutcheon Mearns is delighted to be exclusively partnering with one of Scotland’s most beloved charities, VSA on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) based in Aberdeen.

Organisation overview

As one of the region’s most established and diverse social care charities, VSA supports individuals and families through a broad range of services — from a wide range of supported housing services, a specialist residential school campus at Linn Moor School, through to their care at home and unpaid carers services in the Shire adjoining our Farm Park at Easter Anguston.

With nearly 800 employees, VSA are a complex and deeply impactful organisation committed to caring together with their local communities so that no one is left behind. Now, they’re embarking on a period of significant operational and strategic transformation — and they are seeking a Chief Financial Officer who can help lead their financial strategy with vision, rigour, and ingenuity.

Position overview

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and serving as a key member of the Executive Management Team, the CFO will be responsible for shaping VSA’s financial plans ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience. This role goes far beyond financial stewardship; it’s about future proofing the organisation and building new income streams using innovative funding models, capital optimisation, with strong commercial insight.

You will be involved but not limited to the following duties:

• Support the CEO, Board, and Executive Team in setting and executing the organisation’s vision and strategic plan
• Lead the development of financial and investment strategies aligned with organisational goals
• Drive a high-performing finance and corporate service function that supports effective decision-making across the charity
• Oversee the strategic management and financial performance of the charity’s significant property portfolio
• Lead initiatives to unlock capital value from property assets, including disposals, joint ventures, leasebacks, and reconfigurations aligned with service needs
• Drive the evolution of the balance sheet, ensuring asset utilisation is maximised to fund future impact
• Oversee treasury and liquidity management, including investment strategy, banking relationships, and reserves policies
• Explore and evaluate new financing mechanisms, including social investment, blended finance, and asset backed borrowing where aligned with risk appetite
• Lead capital planning and financial modelling to support long-term growth and service transformation
• Inspire and develop a high-calibre finance and corporate services team
• Promote a values-led culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration
• Act as an ambassador for the charity with external stakeholders, partners, and funders

Profile overview

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Substantial experience in senior financial leadership roles within complex organisations
• Proven expertise in managing large property portfolios and delivering asset-based strategies
• Deep understanding of charity finance, governance, and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills

Package & Other Information

The role of CFO is offering the following package:

• Full time
• Pension: 7.25% Employer Contribution
• 4% Employee Contribution
• Leave: 25 days rising to 29 with 5 years’ service plus 9 flexible Public Holidays
• Location: Aberdeen City Centre

How to apply

Please reach out to Andrew McLeod for a private and confidential discussion about the role – [emailprotected]