Institute officer jobs in Edinburgh

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£55k per annum

This is a newly created role. with responsibility for financial management owned previously by the Executive Director, supported by the Head of Finance & Operations. In the refreshed structure operational and finance functions are separated.

The purpose of this role is to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed, and able to deliver its mission effectively. You will lead the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and effective financial planning to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, collaborative role in a busy team, spanning both strategic and operational finance.

Being a success in this role will essentially balance three things at the same time:
1. Financial stability, control and risk management
2. Artistic and charitable ambition
3. Long-term organisational resilience and sustainable growth

Over the last two years the Festival has refreshed a number of our platforms and ways of working, including updating our CRM, ticketing and finance systems (Xero). We have worked with an external consultancy firm who have reviewed our systems and processes in finance and recommended new approaches; we are seeking a financial leader who can continue to progress this transformation, embedding new systems and ways of working across the team, while managing the busy annual BAU finance operations. We are in year two of a refreshed Strategic Plan, with a focus on building organisational resilience, maximising income and building new revenue streams; our new Finance Director will play a key role in realising these ambitions.

The role will be the key liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial leadership
• Financial reporting and insight
• Festival and programme support
• Sustainability and development support
• Systems and data
• Compliance, governance and risk management
• Leadership and team management

Essential Knowledge, skills and experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience)
• Significant senior financial management experience including Xero accounting system
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits 
• Strong understanding of financial controls and governance
• Experience presenting financial information to boards or trustees
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment

For full information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on Edinburgh International Book Festival Website.

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026. Please complete the online application using the links on our website. 

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

Head of Finance

Location: Fully remote with flexible working arrangements. You must be able to travel 1-2 times per month for a team day in Bristol, Reading, or London, for which expenses will be covered.

Salary: £46,350 - £49,440 depending on experience

Contract: Part-time (0.8 FTE, 4 days per week), Permanent. We are flexible with how these hours are worked - working pattern to be discussed with the successful candidate.

Closing date: Monday 13 July

Interview date: Week commencing 27 July 

Start Date: ASAP - this is a new role

Reporting to: Operations Director
Direct Reports: Finance Officer
 

Role Purpose

The Head of Finance plays a key role in supporting Good Faith's financial health, sustainability and growth. Working closely with the Operations Director and colleagues across the organisation, they provide the financial insight, systems and support that help teams make informed decisions, deliver impactful work and plan confidently for the future.

The role combines hands-on financial management with the ongoing development of financial systems, tools and processes to support Good Faith's growth and evolving needs.

Working in partnership with the Operations Director, Senior Leadership Team, thematic project delivery ("track") leadership teams and project leads, the Head of Operations helps promote sound financial stewardship, clear reporting and responsible use of resources.

The role also provides financial management support to Good Faith Foundation, working alongside its trustees and Charity Development Lead.

The Head of Finance line manages the Finance Officer, supporting their development and helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Support the effective management of Good Faith's finances, helping to ensure accurate reporting, strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cashflow reporting.

• Provide clear, timely financial reporting and insight to support decision-making by the Operations Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board.

• Help colleagues understand organisational financial performance, identifying trends, opportunities and areas requiring attention.

• Work closely with the Operations Director to develop and improve financial systems, controls, policies and processes that support effective decision-making and organisational growth.

• Coordinate month-end and year-end reporting processes.

• Build positive working relationships with external accountants, banks and other professional advisers.

• Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations and statutory requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Planning

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with SLT and Directors across the organisation.

• Maintain GF’s financial forecast and support scenario planning to inform decision-making and future priorities.

• Monitor organisational, track and project budgets against performance and support teams to understand and respond to variances.

• Provide financial insight and recommendations that help colleagues balance ambition with sustainability.

• Support business planning and provide analysis to inform significant organisational investment and spending decisions.

Project Finance

• Work alongside track leadership teams and project leads to develop, manage and monitor project and track budgets.

• Produce project and track-level financial reporting and analysis, including profitability reporting.

• Help project teams understand financial information and use it confidently in decision-making.

• Provide practical financial support and guidance to help achieve GF’s organisational objectives while making the best use of available resources.

Warm Welcome Campaign

• Work closely with the Warm Welcome Head of Operations and Leadership Team, providing financial support on budgeting, reporting and forecasting.

• Ensure expenditure is accurately recorded, appropriately authorised and aligned with financial policies.

• Produce regular financial dashboards and reporting, highlighting budget variances, emerging risks and opportunities for improved efficiency.

• Provide insight and recommendations that support effective decision-making and responsible resource management.

Cashflow, Reserves and Financial Sustainability

• Monitor and report on cashflow, reserves and wider financial performance, helping SLT plan for the future.

• Manage and process supplier and payroll payments, ensuring appropriate controls and approvals are in place and payments are made accurately and on time.

• Work with the Finance Officer to monitor debtor and creditor performance, supporting the timely collection of income and effective management of liabilities.

• Provide financial insight and scenario planning that supports sustainable growth, informed decision-making and long-term resilience.

Support to Good Faith Foundation

• Provide financial management support to the Good Faith Foundation.

• Oversee the preparation of quarterly management accounts by external accountants, alongside budgets and financial reports as required.

• Support trustees and the Charity Development Lead with financial information, insight and analysis.

• Help maintain appropriate financial controls, governance and compliance arrangements.

Team Management

• Line manage, support and develop the Finance Officer, creating opportunities for learning and professional growth.

• Review and oversee bookkeeping, reconciliations and transactional finance processes.

• Help foster a collaborative, supportive and efficient finance function that supports colleagues across GF.

• Contribute to a positive team culture that reflects Good Faith's values.

Governance and Compliance

• Help ensure GF maintains high standards of governance, accountability and financial compliance.

• Support statutory record-keeping and coordinate company secretarial filings and documentation.

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of VAT returns, annual accounts, corporation tax returns and other regulatory filings, working with external accountants as required.

• Act as a trusted point of contact for external accountants, auditors, legal advisers and other professional advisers.

• Coordinate annual insurance renewals and maintain records of key organisational licences, registrations and financial policies.

• As needed, support audits, compliance reviews and risk management activities, helping to ensure appropriate documentation, controls and procedures are maintained.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 2-3 years' working experience

• Experience managing finance functions within an SME, consultancy, social enterprise, charity or purpose-led organisation.

• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.

• Good understanding of UK financial reporting, tax and compliance requirements.

• Experience managing cashflow and financial planning.

• Proficiency in accounting software (Xero) and Microsoft Excel/Google Workspace.

Essential Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and confidently to non-finance colleagues.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people.

• The ability to balance financial sustainability with organisational ambition and social impact.

Desirable

• Experience in consultancy, professional services, social enterprise or charitable sectors.

• Experience managing the finances of grant-funded projects

• Experience supporting boards, trustees or senior leadership teams.

• Knowledge of charity finance and governance requirements.

• Experience supporting and developing colleagues through line management.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and relationship-focused, with a genuine desire to support others.

• Inclusive in approach and committed to building positive working relationships

• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to improve systems and ways of working.

• Trustworthy, accountable and able to exercise sound judgement.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving organisation.

• Able to balance ambition with pragmatism, helping the organisation make the most of its resources.

• Committed to Good Faith's mission, values and the positive impact of our work.

Key Relationships

• Operations Director

• Senior Leadership Team

• Project Leads

• Thematic project delivery leadership teams

• Finance Officer

• Good Faith Foundation Charity Development Lead and Trustees

• External accountants and professional advisers

• Clients, funders and other partners as required

Please review the attached JD for full information on how to apply. 

Are you a qualified finance professional looking for a high-impact contract role within an international charity? This is a unique opportunity to join during a pivotal period of growth and transformation, helping integrate UK and US finance operations while ensuring robust financial control, compliance, reporting and governance.

Working closely with the VP of Finance, you will provide strategic financial leadership while remaining hands-on with financial operations, systems migration, board reporting and statutory compliance. This role would suit someone who thrives in a changing environment and enjoys improving processes, systems and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of UK finance operations into a global finance function
• Support the migration from QuickBooks to NetSuite and Barclays to HSBC
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities
• Prepare board reports and provide financial insights to senior stakeholders
• Lead UK audit activity and support statutory filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Review and improve financial policies, processes and reporting frameworks

Essential Skills & Experience

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
• 5+ years' finance experience
• Experience managing change, finance transformation or systems projects
• Board reporting and stakeholder management experience
• Experience managing or mentoring finance staff

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Charity or international NGO experience
• NetSuite implementation or migration experience
• Gift Aid knowledge

Applications for this role are now under review, and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. Recruitment will take place mainly through schools. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The HR Officer plays a key role in delivering an effective, professional, and compliant HR service across the organisation. Supporting both operational HR processes and employee experience, the post holder will contribute to attracting, developing, and retaining talent in a collaborative and values-driven research environment.

Main responsibilities

HR Operations & Administration Support

• Lead recruitment campaigns in consultation with hiring managers, including drafting job adverts, short-listing and coordinating interviews.
• Manage employee life cycle process, including background checks, onboarding and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in compliance with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Administer HR systems, contracts, and employment documentation.
• Manage relationship with 3rd party suppliers including HR consultancy and DBS check providers.
• Support payroll preparation including monthly absence reporting and ensuring accurate data submission and coordination with Finance/Payroll.
• Support the wider central administrative team as required.

 Employee Relations

• Provide first-line HR advice to managers and staff on policies, procedures, and employment matters.
• Support casework relating to absence, performance, disciplinary, and grievance processes.
• Support managers and the COO with complex people cases, working with the external HR partner as required.
• Promote a positive and inclusive working culture aligned with the organisation’s values.

Learning & Development

• Coordinate training activities and support professional development initiatives for research and support staff.
• Some delivery of internal people-related training
• Assist in identifying skills gaps and contributing to workforce development plans.

Policy & Compliance

• Ensure HR practices comply with employment legislation, charity sector regulations, and best practice.
• Monitor and assist with the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures, including handbook updates.
• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the organisation.

HR Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to HR projects such as staff engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and organisational development.
• Support the implementation of HR systems improvements and process efficiencies.
• Collect and analyse HR data to inform decision-making and reporting.

Knowledge, skills and experience 

Essential

1. Experience in an HR administrative or officer-level role.
2. Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
3. CIPD Level 3 or equivalent.
4. Experience of supporting payroll and finance processes.
5. Proven ability to establish and evolve people processes in a growing organisation.
6. Proficiency in HR systems, such as BreatheHR or equivalent, and Microsoft Office applications.
7. Experience of working in organisations with multiple staffing arrangements i.e. direct employees, secondees, contractors etc.
8. Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
9. Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
10. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

1. CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
2. Experience working in the charity, academic, or research sector.
3. Experience supporting EDI and wellbeing initiatives.
4. Familiarity with public funded and/or project-based staffing environments.
5. Experience supporting or negotiating secondment arrangements, particularly within academic, charity or research environments.

Dimensions

• This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, offered initially as an 18-month fixed-term contract with potential route to permanency.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

All candidates are required to complete the application form which can be found when clicking 'Apply Now' via Charity Job. 

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section of the downloadable application form.

Please note that only applications submitted directly to Gravitate HR will be accepted for this position.

The closing date for applications is 11:00pm on Sunday 5 July 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to take place on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

 AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:

• Gender, including gender reassignment
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Having or not having dependants
• Religion or belief
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.  All job applicants and employees who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be unfairly discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. 

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Join us at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity

This is an exciting time to join the League Against Cruel Sports.

Under new leadership and with a refreshed strategic plan, we are embarking on an ambitious new chapter - strengthening our impact, growing our reach and building an organisation fit for the future.

Recently recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, we are proud of our people-first culture, our commitment to wellbeing and development, and the passion and purpose that unite our teams.

If you are an experienced finance leader looking for a role where your expertise can directly contribute to creating a kinder society for animals, we would love to hear from you.

• Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible and part-time options considered)
• Salary: up to £70,200 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)
• Location: Hybrid working – Majority home based, occasional visits to Godalming office

About us

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity working towards a society where persecuting animals for ‘sport’ is consigned to history.

For over a century, we have campaigned for stronger animal protection laws, conducted investigations to expose cruelty and illegality, and managed wildlife reserves that provide safe havens for animals.

United by compassion and driven by evidence, we believe lasting change is possible.

Together, we will end cruelty to animals in the name of ‘sport’.

The opportunity

As Director of Finance, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic financial leadership across the charity and its trading subsidiary.

You will ensure robust financial management, governance and compliance while helping shape organisational strategy and supporting sustainable growth. This role offers the opportunity to influence decisions at the highest level and play a critical role in delivering our long-term ambitions.

Leading an established finance team, you will oversee all aspects of finance operations, risk management and financial planning, ensuring our systems and processes are fit for the future.

What you'll be doing

Providing strategic financial leadership to the organisation and Board of Trustees.

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Producing high-quality management information and financial reporting.
• Overseeing statutory accounts preparation and external audit processes.
• Ensuring compliance with charity, company and tax regulations.
• Managing treasury activities and financial risk, including fraud prevention.
• Developing robust financial systems, controls and processes.
• Supporting organisational growth and delivery of our strategic plan.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team
• Working collaboratively across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior financial leadership experience and a track record of delivering strategic and operational excellence.

You will bring:

• Strong experience in financial leadership within complex organisations.
• Expertise in management and statutory accounting.
• Experience of leading audits, treasury management and regulatory compliance.
• Outstanding leadership and people development skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and influence decision-making.
• Excellent judgement, commercial awareness and risk management capability.
• A collaborative and values-driven approach.
• Experience in the charity sector and knowledge of charity accounting and regulation would be highly desirable.

Why join us?

At the League Against Cruel Sports, you'll find more than a job - you'll find purpose. We offer:

• The opportunity to help create lasting change for animals.
• A supportive and inclusive culture with exceptional colleagues.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave and wellbeing support.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• The chance to shape the future of a respected national charity during a period of transformation and growth.
• A workplace recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work.

If you are inspired by our mission and excited by the opportunity to lead finance at a pivotal moment in our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a call with our CEO or current Finance Director.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 12 July 2026.

Interviews for the role will be scheduled on 22-23 July online for stage one and 29 July in person in London for stage two.

Together, we will end animal cruelty in the name of sport.

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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