Head of Finance

Harvey Nash Group; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm is seeking a Head of Finance & Procurement for a six-month contract starting in January 2026. The role involves leading financial accounting and reporting while attending important committees to advise on financial governance. Candidates must be fully qualified accountants with strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and statutory reporting, ideally in a public sector context. This role is offered with a hybrid working model, requiring presence in the office for six days each month.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with up-to-date CPD.
• Strong technical expertise in financial accounting.
• Experience leading high quality financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial accounting, reporting, planning, and procurement.
• Attend Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee meetings.
• Advise on financial risk and budget position.

Skills

Financial accounting expertise

Budgeting and forecasting

Technical accounting skills

Audit requirements understanding

Policy implications analysis

Senior finance environment experience

High quality financial reporting

Education

Relevant accountancy qualifications

Job description

Working as Head of Finance & Procurement, this is a six-month contract role starting in January 2026.

• Inside of IR35.
• Our client works on a hybrid working pattern, 6 days in the office per month
• Offices are based in southwest Edinburgh

The role

This role will help lead our clients' financial accounting, reporting, planning and procurement functions during their annual financial cycle.

You will regularly attend the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee to support assurance and audit activity, attend the Board as required on matters relating to financial governance and budget strategy, and participate in quarterly Executive Team performance meetings to advise on financial risk, budget position and organisational performance.

You must have the following experience to apply:

• Be a fully qualified accountant, with relevant qualifications in an accountancy environment with up-to-date CPD.
• Strong technical expertise in financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting.
• A proven understanding of audit requirements, ideally in a public sector organisation.
• The ability to analyse financial proposals, advise on policy implications and ensure robust financial governance.
• Extensive experience operating at a senior level in a finance environment, preferably within the public sector.
• Experience leading high quality financial reporting, statutory accounts and external audit engagement.
• Executive experience in budget and business planning aligned with corporate objectives.

Please apply today for consideration, shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone.