Senior Finance Assistant

Reports to:
Head of Finance

Hours
: Full time (37.5hrs/week), permanent. Standard working hours are 09:00 – 17:30 Monday – Friday. Weekend work where required

About Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is a national educational charity dedicated to empowering everyone with understanding and empathy for our planet. We bring this mission to life through our immersive exhibition, planetarium experiences, and wide-ranging learning and engagement programmes across Edinburgh and throughout Scotland.

As we embark on our new 10-year strategic plan,
From Beginning to Mend
, we're focused on delivering exceptional science engagement and reaching more people in more ways than ever before.

Role Purpose

As
Senior Finance Assistant
, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the finance function across both Dynamic Earth Enterprises Ltd and the Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust.

Working closely with the Head of Finance, you'll ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, oversee month-end processing, produce management accounts, and provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision-making. You will supervise daily finance operations and act as the first point of contact for the Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger Assistants, providing guidance and oversight to ensure all work is completed accurately and efficiently.

While this role does not include formal line management responsibilities, you will coordinate and support the finance team's day-to-day workload.
Attention to detail is a must
, as accuracy and consistency are critical across all financial reporting and control processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the finance function, including cash management and debtor/creditor control.
• Act as the first point of contact for Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger Assistants, supervising their day-to-day activities and ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Supervise the weekly payroll process, ensuring all submissions, tax declarations, and holiday calculations are accurate and compliant.

Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with accounting standards, Charities SORP, and tax obligations (VAT, PAYE, NIC, Gift Aid, Import Duties).

Month-End & Reporting

• Prepare and post journals, perform reconciliations, and generate monthly management reports to support accurate and timely financial reporting.

Audit, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the annual external audit process and assist in preparing, monitoring, and revising annual budgets and forecasts.

Business Partnering

• Collaborate with departments across the organisation to provide financial insight, advice, and support for operational and strategic initiatives.

Process Improvement

• Continuously review and streamline financial systems, processes, and controls to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accuracy.

Culture & Values

• Demonstrate and promote Dynamic Earth's values of
  Inclusivity, Care, and Passion
  , aligning your work with our strategic objectives and contributing to a positive organisational culture.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Professional Qualification:
  Required: either a degree, HNC or HND in Accounting or AAT.
• Desired: Part Qualified, Charity Accounting experience
• Relevant Experience:
  At least 5 years' experience in a similar role, with strong expertise in departmental reporting, payroll supervision, and day-to-day financial management.
• Exceptional Attention to Detail:
  A meticulous approach to financial accuracy, reconciliation, and reporting is essential.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving:
  Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify issues, propose solutions, and implement improvements.
• Communication & Collaboration:
  Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Values-Driven:
  A genuine alignment with Dynamic Earth's values of Passion, Care, and Inclusivity.

Desirable Skills & Attributes

• Systems Knowledge:
  Experience using Sage 200 Standard, Sage 50 Payroll, Sage HR, and Microsoft Teams.
• Interest in Dynamic Earth's Mission:
  Appreciation for our charitable purpose and enthusiasm for our
  From Beginning to Mend
  strategy.
• Support for STEM:
  Belief in the power of science, technology, engineering, and maths as essential pathways for young learners and Scotland's future.
• Professional Engagement:
  Willingness to build networks, learn from peers, and share best practices across the sector.

If you are interested in this position, please email a copy of your CV and cover letter to