Society’s Supplementary Charter and Great Seal

The Society is looking for a new member of staff to develop, manage and coordinate the financial operations of the Society following the retirement of the current post holder. This is a key role providing strategic financial leadership, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate management information, and long-term financial sustainability.

The Finance Manager is responsible for strategic financial leadership, ensuring robust financial controls, statutory compliance, and the delivery of accurate and timely financial information.

The role oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, restricted fund management, audit and year end processes, investment oversight, HR administration, and operational workflows. It also supports the modernisation of financial systems and digital processes to ensure efficiency and good governance.

The Finance Manager liaises with all areas of the Society and acts as the senior financial adviser to the Director, Treasurer, SMT and trustees. They attend and provide reports to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Council, attend SMT meetings as required, and line manage the Finance and Operations Officer. They are line managed by the Director.

Role: Finance Manager – part-time, permanent

Salary: £40,000 per annum pro rata

Pension: 10% pension contribution by the employer

Hours: 20 hours per week with 10am to 2pm core hours although some flexible daytime working hours Monday to Friday is possible, with occasional evening and weekend work required with time off in lieu (TOIL) provided

Location: Hybrid at-home and in-person working based at the Society’s office at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. However, as there are several flights of stairs up to the Society offices, we are happy to explore different ways of working.

Reports to: Director

Probation: Four-month probationary period during which time your skills and suitability for the post will be assessed

Main Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead financial strategy, reserves planning, long term forecasting and financial modelling.
• Embed financial insight into organisational decision making across all departments.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to SMT, Director, Treasurer and trustees.
• Support the modernisation of financial systems, digital workflows and reporting structures.

2. Financial Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSCR, HMRC, SORP, VAT, PAYE and statutory reporting requirements.
• Lead statutory submissions including OSCR returns, HMRC filings and annual compliance documentation.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties, dual authorisation and documented procedures.
• Lead development and annual review of finance policies, SOPs and internal control frameworks.

3. Audit and Year End

• Lead preparation of year end accounts and manage the audit process.
• Liaise with auditors, ensuring timely provision of information and implementation of post audit adjustments.
• Present audited accounts to Council and ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and reporting cycles.

4. Investment Oversight

• Liaise with investment managers.
• Oversee investment reporting, reserve fund monitoring and alignment with financial strategy.
• Ensure investment movements and dividends are accurately recorded.

5. Management Reporting

• Produce monthly management accounts, departmental reports, restricted fund reconciliations and projections.
• Provide quarterly financial reports to trustees, including trend analysis, variances and strategic indicators.
• Oversee accuracy and integrity of financial data within Sage and integrated systems.

6. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead annual budgeting with SMT, Director and Treasurer.
• Provide monthly budget monitoring, variance analysis and recommendations for corrective action.
• Support project managers with financial planning for restricted fund applications and reporting.

7. Restricted Fund Oversight

• Ensure accurate reconciliations, funder aligned reporting and compliance with donor conditions.
• Support fundraising staff with financial information for bids, stewardship and donor reporting.

8. HR Oversight

• Oversee HR administration delivered by the Finance & Operations Officer.
• Ensure accurate timesheet collation, leave management, staff records and compliance with HR policies.
• Support SMT with HR-related financial planning including salary budgeting and workforce planning.
• Liaise with external HR providers as required.

9. Operational Oversight

• Oversee procurement, supplier management and administrative workflows.
• Ensure operational systems support efficiency, compliance and digital working.
• Provide oversight of membership financial processes within S360 and ensure financial integration with Sage.

10. Leadership

• Line manage the Finance & Operations Officer, providing direction, support and professional development.
• Provide financial guidance to SMT, trustees and project leads.
• Attend SMT, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and other committees as required.
• Champion a culture of financial accountability, continuous improvement and organisational efficiency.

Person Specification

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of financial management, including working with Sage.
• Experience in budget creation, development, monitoring and forecasting.
• Experience of financial governance and compliance.
• Understanding of charity finance law, SORP and internal controls.
• Experience preparing management accounts, financial reports and year end accounts.
• Experience coordinating audits and statutory reporting (OSCR, HMRC, PAYE, VAT).
• Experience overseeing restricted fund management and funder aligned reporting.
• Membership database skills (e.g., S360).
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Strong team player with capacity to work collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to modernise systems and improve processes.
• Strong IT literacy including Sage, CRM systems, Excel and digital workflow tools.

Desirable

• Experience working independently, creatively and flexibly in a small team.
• Knowledge of the Society and the Scottish heritage sector.
• Entrepreneurial outlook.
• Experience communicating effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience liaising with investment managers or overseeing investment portfolios.
• Experience supporting fundraising teams with financial information.
• Experience attending and reporting to boards or committees.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the requirements (covering letter to be no more than two sides of A4) by the closing date to the Director, Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, at director@socantscot.org.

Closing date: 11:59pm (UK time) on 27 September 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh or online via Zoom on 9 October 2026. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.

Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but unfortunately, no detailed feedback will be possible.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is dedicated to meeting the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity. Please help us by filling in the Equalities Monitoring Form – a link will be emailed to you with receipt of your application. Filling in this form is voluntary and the results are anonymous and are not used in the recruitment process.

Further Information

For further information, please read the Finance Manager – Full Job Description or contact the Director, Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, at director@socantscot.org.