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VICE PRINCIPAL - FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES

Galashiels, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40228

Published date:

18/03/2026

Summary

Job Title

Vice Principal - Finance and Corporate Services

Post Holder

Accountable To

Principal & CEO

Responsible For

Finance, IT and Digital, Estates and Facilities, Marketing, Legal and Compliance, Programme Management, Business and Project Support

Department

Executive

Overall Purpose of Job

Lead the development and implementation of the strategy for financial and institutional sustainability for the College.
Lead on programme and project management and development opportunities which grow the business.
Lead the development and implementation of the College’s strategies for Estates, Sustainability and IT and Digital services
Lead on compliance responsibilities including Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Risk, Audit etc.
Lead on College Estates development projects.
Provide advice to the Regional Board on all aspects of functions within the remit of the post.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Management and Planning

Contribute to the development and implementation of the College’s Vision, strategies and annual priorities.
Attend meetings of the Regional Board and appropriate sub committees, providing Executive leadership for Audit and Risk, and Finance and General Purposes Committees.
Represent the College externally dealing with funding bodies, external/internal auditors and other agencies.
Prepare and implement the College strategies for Estates, IT and Digital, Sustainability and Finance.
Act as a member of the College Executive Team with associated collective responsibilities.

2. Financial and Service Management and Planning

Lead the continuing development of capital expenditure, budgeting and forecasting policies, processes and procedures.
Ensure that comprehensive and effective real time financial recording and control systems are in place.
Ensure financial systems and reporting is in line with the requirements of the Scottish Funding Council and other funders.
Ensure that management accounts and reports are provided to the Principal, senior leaders and the Regional Board in a timely manner and recommend action required.
Ensure programme management and business and project support functions are aligned to business need and resources prioritised to support strategic College programmes such as sustainability, digital transformation and delivery, and business improvement programmes.
Ensure the College’s Marketing and Communications service is designed for and delivered to meet business need, with impactful messaging for all stakeholder groups.
Prepare, in association with the Senior Leadership Team, rolling Business Plans which reflect Strategic Priorities and ensure financial management and monitoring are in place to secure their implementation.
Develop medium to long term financial plans, identify the requirements for savings plans / income delivery to achieve at least breakeven position
Production of annual report and financial statements, reflecting the Colleges activities for the year, and preparing the governance statement and in so doing represent a positive and accurate assessment of the Colleges performance.
Review regularly the College’s Financial Regulations and present proposals for amendment to the Regional Board as necessary.

Corporate Services and Governance

Lead Executive Team member for Audit and Risk and Finance & General Purposes Committees
Secure and maintain appropriate college insurances.
Ensure that comprehensive programmes of internal audit are undertaken and that all external audit requirements are met.
Ensure the development, maintenance and implementation of the College’s Risk Management and Business Continuity policies and procedures.
Ensure effective emergency planning procedures are in place.
Procure and manage appropriate legal representation for the College.
Ensure compliance with statutory duties and reporting frameworks e.g. SFC, Audit Scotland, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Community Empowerment.
Ensure effective reputational management via our Marketing and Communications function.
Ensure that the College adopts and complies with Health & Safety legislation.
Represent the College on the Borders LGPS

Leadership, development and improvement of organisational efficiency

Manage the Finance Function ensuring the preparation of financial plans, management of devolved budgets and regular reporting.
Ensure the College has sufficient cash available to meet short and long term commitments and manage the safeguarding, investment and securing of funds, including negotiation of facilities with banks.
Ensure all returns and reports required by SFC and other bodies are accurate and produced within prescribed time scales.
Manage the College Estates Services ensuring that the facilities are fit for purpose and are operated in an efficient and effective manner.
Lead on the implementation of digital transformation.
Manage the IT and Digital function ensuring an efficient and effective level of service is provided to staff and learners.
Maintain a fixed asset and property register.
Operate the College Performance Review system to monitor and review individuals and departmental performance targets and establish staff development training requirements.
Ensure compliance with College policies, procedures and the implementation of decisions of the College.
Represent the College at appropriate external networking events.
Undertake any other duties appropriate for the efficient and effective management of the College as directed by the Principal and CEO.
Ensure that long term Asset Management plans are linked to and support the College Strategy.

Personal and Professional Development

Adopt flexible working methods to meet the changing needs of the College
Develop and maintain quality standards appropriate to the post
Develop and maintain professional standards and expertise by undertaking relevant professional development

The above mentioned duties and responsibilities represent the current situation and may change over time to reflect the changing needs and requirement of the College.

Signed …………………………………………………… Date ………………………

(Staff Member)

Signed ………………………………………………….. Date ………………………

(Line Manager)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS		Essential or Desirable
Member of CCAB Accounting body		E
Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline		D
Project Management Qualification		D

KNOWLEDGE		Essential or Desirable
Current knowledge of financial reporting standards		E
Knowledge of Scottish public sector procurement legislation		D
Understanding of public sector / government accounting and regulatory frameworks		D
Knowledge of Further Education finance in Scotland		D

EXPERIENCE		Essential or Desirable
Experience of financial management in a large, multi-functional organisation		E
Significant demonstrable post-qualification experience		E
Experience of financial reporting, including management and statutory accounts production		E
Experience of leading teams and team building		E
Experience of leading projects across organisations		E
Experience of Further Education Sector		D
Experience of change management		D

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES		Essential or Desirable
Excellent communication skills		E
Ability to collaborate across departments		E
Ability to influence stakeholders		E
Skilled networker		E
Team player		E
Self-motivated individual		E
Solutions focussed mind set		E
Independent and creative thinker		E
Reflective practitioner		E
Distributed and situational leadership style		E
Effective negotiation skills		E

OTHER ABILITIES/QUALITIES		Essential or Desirable
Resilient		E
Flexible		E
Able to work under pressure		E
Skilled report and bid writer		E

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Head of Finance

Edinburgh, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

39398

Published date:

16/01/2026

Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title:	Head of Finance and Business Reporting (part-time 0.8FTE or full-time)
Reports to:	Finance Director
Department:	Finance & IT
Location	Roxburgh Street, Edinburgh
Direct Reports:	Finance Team Coordinator, Finance Analyst, Business Support Coordinator
Indirect Reports:	Finance team (x3), Business Support Team (x1)
Revision Date:	January 2026
Job Purpose and General Dimensions
This is a Head of Department role within the Finance & IT team, reporting directly to the Finance Director. The role has overall responsibility for financial and management accounting including sales, purchase and nominal ledgers, payroll, treasury, internal reporting, financial systems, stock control and cash handling functions. The jobholder will liaise with external parties such as auditors and the bank, and with trustees and staff of the Association. They will be responsible for developing and improving financial controls, processes and systems.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
People Management and Development Provide leadership, support and guidance to the Finance and Business Support teams and the Finance Analyst. Encourage and develop a customer-focused culture within the team. Ensure that all staff are trained in operational procedures as appropriate, ensuring strict compliance with both internal and statutory requirements. Develop the roles within the team to ensure that workload is appropriately allocated and support the team to achieve their objectives. Ensure that staff are supported in identifying appropriate training & development requirements and ensuring that these are followed through. Carry out staff performance appraisals and development planning processes for direct reports and ensure that these processes are carried out throughout the area of responsibility. Manage or support any formal or informal employee relations issues within the team as required, such as grievance, investigation, disciplinary, and performance management topics. Transactional finance Lead, support and develop the transactional finance team. Ensure that full financial controls are maintained across the team, which are regularly reviewed and updated. Undertake detailed monthly balance sheet controls and reconciliations and at least a quarterly full reconciliation. Undertake quarterly and year end VAT returns for the Association and its trading subsidiary and ensure all taxation is paid within statutory deadlines. Work with colleagues in operational teams to ensure that VAT is being correctly accounted for. Ensure that processes are maintained so as to maximise the VAT recovery rate across the Students’ Association. Take oversight of payroll & pension processing for Association staff and act as a key contact for pension scheme enquiries. Accelerate the existing monthly timetables to shorten the time taken to complete the month end reporting. Develop and implement internal performance measures. Ensure debtor and creditor balances are regularly reviewed and appropriately managed. Take responsibility for bank / treasury management, ensuring that appropriate funds are available at all times and recommending investment options for surplus funds. Responsibility for fixed asset management. Management reporting Lead, support and develop the Finance Analyst. Ensure that monthly reporting for trustees and external parties is produced accurately and on time, and includes appropriate commentary on the results. Ensure that regular, detailed management information is provided to the Association’s Heads of Department (HoD) to an agreed timetable. This includes weekly flash reporting and monthly reports. Lead the development and improvement of the reporting systems and processes in place across the organisation to enable flexible, multi-level reporting to all managers. Ensure that the budget is delivered on time, and that forecasts are produced as appropriate during the year. Develop ad-hoc reporting as required. Business Support The Business Support team are the bridge between the Association’s commercial operations and the finance team. They are responsible for purchasing, stock control and EPOS system management across all commercial areas of the Students’ Association. Lead and develop the Business Support function to ensure an efficient and effective service is being provided to commercial heads of department. Take oversight of stock management systems and processes, working with operational teams to ensure that full controls are in place and applied. Ensure that IT systems are used to their greatest potential. Ensure consistent data outputs across EPOS data and management accounts. Work with the Business Support Coordinator, commercial HoD and senior management to determine the best operating model for the team. Communication Act as the first point of communication for financial and business reporting matters within the Association, and with external parties. System & Process development Primary responsibility for usage and management of the following core IT systems: Sage 200 accounting Sage payroll Management reporting (currently Excel / Pinnacle Analytics) Purchasing & stock management (Saffron/Symphony) and Sicon Approvals for invoice approval Ensure that all key processes are documented and are fully understood by all members of the team. Identify process inefficiencies, and develop / implement new reporting systems and processes as appropriate Shared Head of Department Responsibilities Be a collaborative and effective member of the Students’ Association’s Heads of Department team, and work on organisation-wide initiatives as part of that team as appropriate, including some outside the direct remit of the post. Contribute as appropriate to any other organisation-wide developments and activities (e.g. strategic planning, collaborative projects, staff days etc). Ensure the Students’ Association’s values, particularly student leadership, are prevalent in both personal and departmental approaches to all work and decision making. Update the Senior Management Team (through the relevant SMT line manager) on a regular basis on all aspects of the department’s performance and activities. Other responsibilities: Liaison with bankers and external auditors Preparation of SORP-compliant annual statutory accounts Attendance at Finance, Risk & Audit Committee Deputising for the Finance Director as appropriate
Key Relationships
Finance Director and Senior Management Team Heads of Department Sabbatical Officer team & Trustees Finance Analyst, Business Support Coordinator, Finance Team Coordinator External auditor & professional advisors Bank
Other shared responsibilities/expectations: The Students’ Association’s ambition is that ‘we will be a high-performing students’ union, valued by our members, delivering outstanding support and services for a vibrant, well rounded time at university’. Our staff have an essential part to play in achieving this ambition. Every staff member at the Students’ Association, wherever they work, has the same responsibility. A commitment to the delivery of the Students’ Association’s Strategic Plan through the implementation of departmental plan activities A positive and respectful attitude to all Students’ Association staff, its management, the organisation as a whole, and its members, clients and partners Ensure that every student, staff member or visitor using any of our services has the best possible experience of that service and of the Students’ Association as an organisation. Adhere to and support Students’ Association’s Ethical, Environmental and Health and Safety policies and procedures A commitment to training and development of self and others Any other appropriate duties as reasonably required by your line manager, Departmental manger or Senior Management

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job title:	Head of Finance and Business Reporting
Person Summary
An appropriately experienced, qualified accountant who will help to transform the Students’ Association’s financial systems, processes and reporting. Strong technical, communications and problem-solving skills are key to this role along with an ability to manage a large team in a complex student-led charitable organisation. A strong customer service-driven focus is essential to this role, along with a positive, problem solving approach. An ability to lead, motivate and develop people, to develop a positive team culture, and to take your team through periods of change is required. It is a given that the successful candidate will be comfortable with developing and maintaining day-to-day financial controls and processes. They will in addition recommend and implement change, and will have a strong desire to improve the flow and understanding of financial information. They will be technically strong and able to contribute to the Association’s ongoing development of financial information systems. A strong commitment to the values of the organisation is required, along with a desire to make a positive contribution to those values.
Required Experience			Essential	Desirable
CCAB (or equivalent) qualified accountant with minimum 3 years post-qualification financial and management experience			X
Experience and understanding of mid-size corporate accounting systems such as Sage 200			X
Experience of financial reporting in a commercial environment			X
Proven experience of leading and developing teams			X
Experience of developing new and improving existing reporting systems and processes				X
Payroll knowledge or experience				X
Skills and Proficiency			Essential	Desirable
Strong technical accountancy skills			X
Good understanding of financial accounting systems and processes			X
Strong Microsoft Excel skills			X
Proven analytical and logical problem-solving ability			X
Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritise appropriately			X
Proven ability to successfully communicate across a variety of audiences, including delivery of presentations and written reports			X
Excellent interpersonal skills, with an articulate and confident manner			X
Understanding of the Charity SORP and a not-for profit environment				X
VAT understanding in a partial-reclaim environment				X
An understanding of student union regulations				X

Shared Competencies
The Students’ Association’s competency framework describes the key behaviours you are expected to demonstrate in this role. The main facets for each of these competencies are described below. Within the competency structure, this is a Level 5 position
Customer Focus		Takes responsibility for service delivery within their area of responsibility. Sets objectives for others based on improvement of service levels, and inspires others to strive for service excellence
Delivering Results		Responsible for setting challenging objectives for both self and others, and managing delivery of results. Manages resources effectively to ensure that organisational needs are met.
Initiative & Creativity		Empowered to seek new ideas and ways of working, and address long-term organisational challenges. Inspires and empowers others to share ideas and participate in change processes
Leading & Developing Teams		Develops and promotes a learning environment in which staff are encouraged to take initiative and ownership for their development. Forms, understands and communicates performance standards, expectations and outcomes with a full awareness of organisational challenges and priorities
Communicating Effectively		Creates an environment in which open communication is encouraged. Communicates strategic priorities effectively, in order to support the achievement of organisational goals. Demonstrates negotiating and influencing skills
Teamworking		Develops and supports a culture of effective teamworking, encouraging cross-orangisational teamwork. Creates an environment in which trust, fairness, commitment, respect, consistency and openness are promoted and encouraged.

Our Principles
Our Principles guide our strategy, inform our everyday decisions and influence our behaviour, both as an organisation and as individuals representing the Students’ Association. Student Led – prioritise work and services that matter to students Power to Change – be strong representatives, campaigning for students Diverse student communities – a sense of belonging for all Open and Helpful – in our communications and interactions Collaboration – harnessing the benefits of working together Ethically and Environmentally responsible – conscious of our impact Social Enterprise – trading, with multiple benefits for our members

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