Job Description

Directorate
Finance
Business Area
Finance
Location
Glasgow or Dalkeith
Grade
Head of Service
Salary range
65,191 - 75,334
Type of Contract
Permanent Contract
Part Time/Full Time
Full Time/'Happy to talk flexible working'
Workstyle
Hybrid
Actual Hours
35
Closing Date
05/10/2025
Ref No
6770
Documents
(PDF, 551.87kb)

Qualifications Scotland's purpose is clear and unwavering: to design, deliver and award qualifications that empower all learners with the fair and equal opportunity to reach their potential. This is our promise to every learner in Scotland that their background will never be a barrier to accessing qualifications which will help shape their future.
As SQA transitions to Qualifications Scotland (QS) we are looking for a Head of Finance to lead Finance team through an exciting period of transformation. This is a vital leadership role for QS during a challenging period in public finances. The role will be key to ensuring a seamless financial transition to Qualifications Scotland and the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy of the new organisation.
The successful candidate will be required to provide financial leadership to the organisation and strategic leadership of the Finance Directorate to ensure that QS is able to deliver its vision and its strategic objectives. In order to do this you must be able to demonstrate experience in the following specific duties:

• Provide leadership within the organisation that ensures QS's financial management and decision making is informed by the appropriate level of financial rigour
• Lead the management of Change within Finance to transform the delivery of Finance services across its systems, reporting and processes
• Lead on all financial reporting and financial planning
• Provide effective leadership on governance including internal and external audits
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at a senior level to ensure effective service delivery and foster partnership working
• Support the Director of Finance in setting the finance strategy of the organization through development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan

Additionally you must be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Extensive experience of leading and developing annual planning and budgeting processes in large complex organisations
• Proven experience of managing, leading and developing a finance team

Applicants, as a minimum, be a qualified accountant (CCAB) and have 7 years post qualification experience. You will role model values as a leader.
We offer a fantastic benefits package in return for your talent. These include but are not limited to a career average pension scheme; staff well-being and health assistance programmes; development opportunities and 27 days annual leave in addition to 14 days public holiday.
If you think you've got the skills, knowledge and experience required to succeed in this exciting opportunity please apply below.
SQA welcomes applications from every section of the community. SQA has a Gaelic Language Plan and is committed to its purpose.
Tha Plana Gaidhlig aig SQA agus tha sinn a' creidsinn gu h-arachdach agus na h-amasan a tha air cur a-mach sa Phlana Naiseanta don Ghaidhlig.
We are an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all members of the community. We are committed to the Disability Confident Initiative and offer a guaranteed interview to any applicant who considers themself to be disabled and who meets the competency requirements for the post.

Skills Required