Historic Scotland Finance Director

The role of Finance Director at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is a critical leadership position, responsible for the organization's financial health, strategic planning, and resource management. HES is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) accountable to the Scottish Government, charged with safeguarding Scotland’s historic environment and promoting its understanding and enjoyment.

The Finance Director is a key member of the Executive Team, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other directors to develop and implement HES's overall strategy. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management, including:

• Budgeting and forecasting: Developing realistic and robust budgets that align with HES's strategic objectives and ensuring effective financial planning.
• Financial accounting and reporting: Maintaining accurate financial records, preparing statutory accounts, and ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulations.
• Management accounting: Providing timely and relevant financial information to support decision-making across the organization. This includes cost analysis, performance reporting, and investment appraisal.
• Treasury management: Managing HES's cash flow, investments, and banking relationships effectively.
• Procurement: Overseeing the organization's procurement activities, ensuring value for money and compliance with procurement regulations.
• Risk management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks, and ensuring that HES has appropriate internal controls in place.
• Internal audit: Ensuring the effective operation of internal audit processes, providing assurance over the effectiveness of controls and the integrity of financial information.

The Finance Director must possess a strong understanding of public sector finance, accounting principles, and governance. They need to be a qualified accountant with a proven track record of leading and managing a finance function in a complex organization. In addition, strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, as the role requires effective collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, other public bodies, and external auditors.

Beyond the core financial responsibilities, the Finance Director also plays a crucial role in supporting HES's wider strategic objectives. This includes providing financial advice and support for major projects, such as conservation works on historic sites, and developing innovative funding models to ensure the long-term sustainability of HES's operations. They contribute to the development of HES's corporate strategy, particularly in relation to its commercial activities, such as retail and catering at historic sites. The Director ensures financial probity and value for money in all aspects of HES's work.

The Finance Director at Historic Environment Scotland is therefore far more than just an accountant. They are a strategic leader, a financial expert, and a key player in safeguarding Scotland's rich historic heritage for future generations.