Head Of Finance

Harvey Nash Plc; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector consulting firm in Scotland is seeking a Head of Finance & Procurement for a six-month contract starting January 2026. The role involves leading financial accounting, reporting, budgeting, and procurement functions while ensuring robust governance. The ideal candidate is a fully qualified accountant with extensive senior finance experience, particularly in public sector finance. Candidates should be ready to work in a hybrid model with 6 days in the office each month.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with relevant qualifications in accountancy.
• Strong expertise in financial accounting, budgeting, and statutory reporting.
• Proven understanding of audit requirements, particularly in public sector.
• Experience in financial analysis and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial accounting, reporting, planning and procurement functions.
• Attend Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee for assurance and audit activity.
• Advise on financial risk and budget position in Executive Team meetings.

Skills

Financial accounting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Statutory reporting

Financial governance

Education

Fully qualified accountant

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 South West 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.