Head of Finance (Part-time), St Andrews

Cooper Parry; St Andrews; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A not-for-profit organisation in St Andrews is seeking a qualified Head of Finance on a part-time basis (22.5 hours per week). The position involves leading the finance team, managing budgets, ensuring compliance, and strategic financial planning. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills with significant financial management experience. Benefits include a pension scheme and 38 days of leave annually. Applications close on 5th January at 5pm.

Benefits

Defined contribution pension 6% employer contribution

38 days of annual leave (pro-rata)

Employee Assistance programme

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial management, including statutory accounts and budgeting.
• Exceptional numeracy and ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and manage a small team.
• Prepare annual budgets, management accounts, and forecasts.
• Oversee external audit, tax compliance, VAT, and year-end processes.

Skills

Leadership capability

Financial management expertise

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Time management skills

Education

Qualified finance professional

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

ERP systems

Job description

We're delighted to be recruiting for a Head of Finance (part-time), on an exclusive basis, for a not-for-profit organisation, based in St Andrews, Fife. This is a rare opportunity for a qualified finance professional to take on a senior role on a part-time basis (22.5 hours per week). Leading a finance team and reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, this is an opportunity for an individual with proven leadership skills and hands‑on financial management expertise, to work closely with the Executive team and support organisational goals.

The Job Opportunity

The Head of Finance will be responsible for the preparation of external financial statements, management accounts and forecasting and will lead on annual audit, compliance and VAT management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, managing a small team and reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations
• Prepare and oversee annual budgets, statutory accounts, management accounts, and forecasts
• Manage external audit, tax compliance, VAT, and year-end processes
• Ensure robust financial controls, systems, and governance across the organisation
• Provide strategic financial input to support long‑term planning and resource allocation
• Drive process improvements, including digitalisation and automation of financial systems
• Oversee payroll, pensions, and procurement to ensure efficiency and value for money
• Advise senior leadership and Board on financial implications of key decisions
• Build strong relationships with auditors, banks, and regulatory bodies
• Champion financial accountability and cost efficiency without compromising quality
• Mentor and develop the finance team, fostering collaboration and high performance

The Candidate

We are looking for a qualified finance professional with strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and excellent interpersonal skills. Significant experience in financial management is essential, including statutory accounts, budgeting, and compliance, alongside advanced IT proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and ERP systems.

You will demonstrate exceptional numeracy and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate clearly to diverse audiences. Strong organisational and time management skills are required, with the capacity to prioritise effectively under pressure. A collaborative approach, integrity, and the ability to build trusted relationships are key, as is being self‑motivated and resilient in meeting deadlines.

Desirable attributes include experience in leading teams and managing change, ideally within the not-for-profit sector, as well as knowledge of charity regulations. Strategic thinking, project management capability, and empathy with the organisation's ethos are valued, along with the ability to mentor and share knowledge.

Benefits

• Defined contribution pension 6% employer contribution
• 38 days per annum (pro‑rata)
• Employee Assistance programme including counselling, proactive physical and mental health platform
• Retail discounts

Next steps

The closing date for applications for this position is Monday 5th January at 5pm. Early applications are encouraged! If you are looking for a role within a values‑driven environment and a part‑time working pattern is important to you, this could be the ideal position for you! Apply with your full CV. Only applicants with Right to Work in the UK can be considered for this post. Interviews will be held in week‑commencing 12th or 19th January.

For a Candidate Information Pack, please reach out to Lynsey Campbell or Emma Clitherow at Cooper Parry Finance recruitment.