Head of Finance

About Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections.

We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan.

Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change.

RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

The opportunity

RBGE is now seeking to appoint a Head of Finance at a pivotal moment in the organisation's development. As RBGE prepares to launch its next Corporate Strategy, this key role will provide leadership and ensure delivery of finance, corporate governance and risk functions to underpin the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's mission, strategy and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the delivery of RBGE's Corporate Strategy and Plans.
• Lead and continuously improve finance, corporate governance and risk services to meet organisational needs.
• Represent RBGE externally on finance, governance and risk matters through professional networks and sector forums.

Financial Planning and Management

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting for the Senior Leadership Team, Executive Team, Board and Scottish Government.
• Provide financial reporting and advice to subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
• Develop and deliver long-term financial plans, annual budgets and operational plans through an effective business partnering approach.
• Work closely with key stakeholders on workforce planning, pay policy and capital investment implications.
• Oversee payroll and pension administration services.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning, budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Provide financial advice on major projects, business cases and investment appraisals.
• Maintain effective financial systems, controls and oversight of operating, capital, restricted and grant-funded budgets totalling £35-40m per year.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant taxation requirements.

Financial Accounting and Treasury

• Advise the Director of Corporate Services and the Regius Keeper / Accountable Officer on significant financial matters and ensure compliance with relevant financial and public sector frameworks.
• Provide financial advice to Trustees, senior leaders and budget holders.
• Lead production of the Annual Report and Accounts and ensure timely completion of audited financial statements.
• Oversee statutory accounts for subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
• Ensure effective treasury management, financial controls and tax governance.
• Manage relationships with external investment managers.

Procurement, Legal and Grant Management

• Act as account manager for legal services across RBGE, subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
• Lead procurement policy and strategy, ensuring compliance, value for money and organisational understanding.
• Oversee financial management and reporting of statutory, research and charitable grants.

Governance, Audit and Risk

• Ensure effective governance arrangements for RBGE, subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation, including company secretariat services.
• Support the Audit Committee and oversee business assurance and internal audit improvement activities.
• Manage service agreements between RBGE, subsidiary companies and the Botanics Foundation.
• Lead the development of organisational risk management and reporting.
• Liaise with Scottish Government and other external stakeholders on areas of responsibility.

Team Development

• Lead, develop and support Finance, Corporate Governance and Risk staff through effective workforce planning, performance management and coaching.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Director of Corporate Services.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified accountant with experience of providing financial support within a multi-faceted organisation with a mix of commercial and grant funded income streams
• Experience of working within and knowledge of Scottish Government accounting standards
• Strong leadership skills developed in managing a finance team
• Experience in delivering complex management information to senior management and at Board level
• Good working knowledge of business risk management
• Experience of developing and applying ‘good governance’ principles across an organisation
• Strong influencing skills
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to multi-task in a busy working environment

Desirable

1. Experience of working with charity finances and in a partial exemption VAT environment, along with a thorough understanding of SORP and charity accounting, VAT and corporation tax
2. Experience working within Scottish public sector procurement standards
3. Previous experience in working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary leadership team

How to apply

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland's most respected institutions and play a leading role in supporting its mission to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for the benefit of people and planet.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Lisa Berlinghof at FWB on 0131 539 7087 or at applications@fwbltd.com

Applications should be made by way of CV and covering letter, and submitted by 09:00 on Monday 5 October.