Interim Head of Finance

Aspen People; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a strategic Head of Finance for a 9-month interim contract based in Edinburgh. The role involves leading the finance function, ensuring effective operations, and managing financial reporting. The ideal candidate should possess expert knowledge of financial regulations, strong decision-making skills, and experience in public sector accounting. This position offers a competitive salary with generous benefits, allowing you to influence financial strategy in a mission-driven environment.

Benefits

Generous benefits

28.97% pension

37 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of financial regulations and technical accounting.
• Strategic-level experience working with Executive/Project Boards.
• Proven experience leading senior finance teams.
• Ability to develop strategic relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience leading finance transformations.
• Strong analytical skills for complex issues.
• Public sector accounting experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance function and support organisational objectives.
• Oversee financial and management accounting.
• Manage statutory reporting and capital accounting.
• Deliver timely financial reporting and annual accounts.
• Maintain finance risk register and ensure adherence to financial controls.

Skills

Financial regulations knowledge

Decision-making skills

Excellent communication

Relationship building

Job description

Head of Finance

£85,000, with generous benefits or £500 day rate

28.97% pension and 37 days annual leave

9‑month interim contract

Edinburgh with occasional travel to other sites

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is a dynamic, people‑centred organisation committed to the safety, rehabilitation, and reintegration of individuals in its care. Operating as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, the SPS supports approximately 8,000 people across 15 establishments, focusing on reducing reoffending and promoting positive outcomes for individuals, their families, and wider communities. The SPS values equality, human rights, and continuous development, offering staff opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that makes a real difference. With investment in modern facilities and strategies, such as mental health initiatives and gender‑specific support, the SPS emphasises care, compassion, and professionalism in challenging environments. Join the SPS team and help shape a safer, more inclusive society.

The role

SPS is seeking an accomplished and strategic Head of Finance to lead the finance function and support the delivery of our organisational objectives. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the post holder will ensure the effective delivery of financial operations, governance, policy, and strategy. This role will require regular deputising for the Director and active involvement in shaping strategic priorities across the SPS.

You will oversee financial and management accounting, policy and systems, and finance business partnering. Responsibilities include managing creditor payments, treasury functions, statutory reporting, capital accounting, and providing timely, accurate financial reporting. Additionally, you will deliver statutory annual accounts, manage financial planning and budgeting, maintain the finance risk register, and ensure adherence to financial controls and policies.

This is a unique opportunity to influence financial strategy and support a mission‑driven organisation dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Expert knowledge of financial regulations and technical accounting
• Strategic‑level experience working with Executive/Project Boards in complex environments
• Proven experience leading and motivating senior finance teams and managing high‑level projects
• Ability to develop strategic relationships and influence internal/external stakeholders
• Experience leading finance teams through transformation and developing processes to achieve goals
• Strong decision‑making skills; able to analyse complex issues and deliver innovative solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to convey complex information effectively
• Public sector accounting experience (statutory accounts, Scottish Government budgeting) is desirable.

You can contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role on 0141 212 7555.

If you are interested, please get your application to us at your earliest convenience to be considered.

More information can be found within the document below:

• Job Description and Person Specification

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (as one combined document) via the apply button.