This is a defining moment in time for the Scottish National Party and our country. As Head of Finance, you will play a key role in leading our organisation and supporting our mission to do the best for the people who live and work in Scotland.
We are seeking a financial leader with integrity and influence to work with the Chief Executive and the Party’s political leadership to help implement our vision for our Party. In this high-profile position, you will play a key role in leading and managing the organisation and building a professional, modern, dynamic election-winning party which is fundamental to the success of the SNP.
Your strong financial leadership and strategic skills, allied to wide experience in budget management, financial analysis, and compliance and regulatory reporting, will support the CEO, other colleagues, and our extensive range of stakeholders to drive success.
You will have significant financial leadership and management experience, likely gained within a public, purpose-led or not-for-profit organisation, and your track record will demonstrate your ability to deliver an organisation’s financial objectives within a complex environment.
A strong understanding of the political landscape is essential, and since community is at the heart of everything we do, we are looking for someone who has a strong sense of purpose and social justice and who can see how their contribution in this role contributes to a better Scotland.
You will be a qualified accountant with strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate complex financial information to a non-finance audience.
If you are passionate about delivering with a high level of commitment and enthusiasm and looking to influence our national landscape through a senior leadership role within a determined and focused organisation, we would like to hear from you.
The Role
Oversee the preparation and management of the SNP’s budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
Purpose
The Head of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the SNP’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and supporting strategic decision-making through robust financial planning and reporting. This role requires a qualified accountant with experience in financial management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, ideally in the political or non-profit sectors. The Head of Finance will oversee all financial processes and controls, providing strategic insights to party leadership to safeguard the SNP’s financial health.
Key Responsibilities
1. Develop and implement the SNP’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the party’s strategic objectives.
2. Provide financial advice and insights to senior leadership, including the Chief Executive, Party Leader, National Office Bearers, and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
3. Lead on financial planning, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring informed decision-making at all levels.
4. Oversee the preparation and management of the SNP’s budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
5. Monitor income and expenditure against budgets, preparing regular reports for the NEC and other key stakeholders.
6. Ensure robust financial controls are in place to safeguard party funds and assets.
7. Ensure compliance with financial regulations, including those set out by the Electoral Commission and other relevant bodies.
8. Prepare and submit statutory financial reports, including annual accounts, tax returns, and regulatory disclosures.
9. Act as the primary point of contact for auditors, overseeing the audit process and implementing recommendations.
10. Provide guidance and training to colleagues on financial policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
11. Foster cross-departmental collaboration to ensure financial considerations are integrated into all organisational activities.
12. Collaborate with the fundraising team to manage donor contributions and ensure compliance with political donation regulations.
13. Oversee financial aspects of fundraising campaigns, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting on campaign income and expenditure.
14. Identify and manage financial risks, developing mitigation strategies to safeguard the SNP’s financial position.
15. Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, providing actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
16. Prepare financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analyses, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
17. Oversee payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate salary payments and compliance with tax and pension requirements.
18. Manage financial aspects of grants and external funding, ensuring compliance with terms and effective use of funds.
19. Maintain strong relationships with financial stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
Skills and Responsibilities
1. Hold a professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or ICAS) with demonstrable post-qualification experience in financial leadership.
2. Extensive experience in financial planning, management, and reporting, ideally within political, non-profit, or regulatory environments.
3. In-depth understanding of financial regulations, including those specific to political organisations (e.g., Electoral Commission guidelines).
4. Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
5. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and present actionable insights.
6. Advanced proficiency in financial management systems and tools, with strong Excel skills.
7. Ability to convey financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders, building trust and engagement.
8. Evidence of managing the preparation of annual Budgets and Reforecasts, Management Accounts, and Financial Statements.
9. Evidence of being the day-to-day point of contact for a range of external stakeholders e.g. External Auditors, Bankers.
10. Experience of understanding and managing financial data for short-, medium- and long-term decision making.
Please note that the covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should summarise your relevant skills and experience and motivations for applying for this role.
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role then please contact LHH directly on +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.
SNP is committed to equality of opportunity and to no discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or belief, age, sex, marital or civil partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, pregnancy or maternity. We are constantly reviewing our approach to ensuring equality and diversity in our applications and would be pleased if you could complete the attached Equalities Monitoring Form.
Should you require any modifications or wish to speak with a member of our team to discuss any particular circumstances, please email the above address.
Location: Edinburgh – hybrid
Applications in the form of a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages), highlighting your skills and experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr