Department: Finance and Operations
Location: Edinburgh (60% office attendance required)
Contract: Temporary Maternity Cover – 12 months
Hours: Full-time (36 hours)
Grade: Grade 7
Salary: £64,272 - £77,188 per annum (£70k midpoint)
Reporting to: Director of Finance and Operations
Direct Reports: Up to 2 (team of 8)
Meridian Business Support is seeking a Head of Finance for a non-ministerial government department providing actuarial advice to UK government departments and public sector organisations worldwide.
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will be taking a key leadership role in financial management, reporting, and strategy. This is a hands-on role with varied responsibilities in a dynamic environment, offering the chance to demonstrate your expertise while leading critical initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the finance team through the transition to a new finance system, embedding efficiencies and best practices.
Oversee financial accounting, including preparation of the annual report and accounts, cash flow management, and audit exercises, acting as the primary contact for NAO and GIAA.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, government functional standards, and statutory reporting obligations.
Lead external reporting to HM Treasury and Cabinet Office, including Estimates, spending controls, and transparency returns.
Provide expert financial advice on complex and sensitive accounting and budgeting issues.
Promote sound financial stewardship and internal controls, ensuring robust planning and accounting for public funds.
Deliver high-quality financial insight to inform decision-making at the executive and board level.
Provide inspirational leadership to the finance team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
Act as deputy to the Director of Finance and Operations as required.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a qualified finance professional with:
Proven leadership experience in financial management and reporting, ideally within government or public sector settings.
Strong technical knowledge of accounting standards and public sector finance regulations.
Experience managing transitions to new finance systems and driving process improvements.
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
A proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Exceptional team leadership and development capabilities.This role provides the opportunity to work at the intersection of public service and finance, contributing to decisions that impact government and the wider public sector. You'll lead a talented team in a supportive and inclusive workplace while developing your career in a unique and rewarding environment.
How to Apply
Please contact Nikki on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)
Meridian Business Support is a recruitment specialist acting on behalf of our client as an Employment Agency for this vacancy