Head of Finance and Corporate Services

**Job title**: Head of Finance and Corporate Services

**Reporting to**:CEO

**Direct Reports**:Accountant

**Working Hours**: Part time, 21-28 hours

**Location**:Central Edinburgh

**Salary**:£65,000 FTE

**Who We Are**

Chambers of Commerce are at the heart of local business communities throughout the country. Using our respected voice and influence, and strong cross-sectoral network, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce champions the interests our 850+ members, supporting them to thrive and grow. The Chamber’s stated purpose is to use our respected position and influence to help make Edinburgh the best place for ‘businesses’.

We take an active role in collaborating with businesses and policymakers to help create the economic climate that will ensure the City's and the Region's prosperity. We are apolitical as an organisation, but regularly engage with government at all levels on behalf of our members to ensure their views are heard.

Chamber members have access to a range of benefits to help them succeed in business. This includes access to over 100 networking events each year, support with raising brand awareness in the city, information and insights on key business issues, advocacy and policy support and opportunities to upskill employees through our training programme. We lead, represent, advocate, inform and collaborate.

**Job Summary**

As Head of Finance and Corporate Services at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, you will play a pivotal role in the strategic management and financial planning of the organisation. This is a key appointment within our Executive Team, reporting directly to the CEO.

The role is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly collaborative - ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and brings a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. You’ll provide essential financial oversight and reporting support across a diverse internal team, helping ensure the smooth running of core functions and driving forward the Chamber’s strategic priorities.

While this is a senior, strategic position, we are a small and agile team - so from time to time, you will also be expected to support operational finance tasks, including bookkeeping, to ensure continuity and resilience across the function.

**Job Purpose**

To lead and manage the finance and corporate services functions, providing timely and comprehensive financial reports to management, Board and governing Council, whilst ensuring good financial governance of the organisation. The Chamber has a diverse range of income streams requiring adaptable skills and wide-ranging accounting knowledge.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Ensure that the Chamber’s financial practices are in full compliance with statutory requirements, align with strategic goals and support long-term growth and stability.
- Develop and implement the financial strategy to support the Chamber’s overall goals and mission.
- Provide financial insights to the CEO, Executive team, Board and Council for informed decision-making.
- Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development. This includes regularly reviewing systems and processes to ensure they are effective, efficient, and aligned with organisational needs.
- Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, monthly management reports, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards.
- Monitor financial risks and implement risk management strategies.
- Manage relationships with banks, auditors, vendors and government agencies.
- Support the CEO and Board with financial presentations and analysis.
- Coordinate and liaise with the external auditors, ensuring year-end financial statements sign off within 3 months of the year end.
- Submit quarterly VAT submission, including the partial exemption calculation.
- Oversee cash flow, investments and liquidity management to ensure the financial stability of the Chamber.
- Handle all payroll, pension, and employee benefit matters.
- Ensure relevant insurance cover and products are in place.
- Work with our Head of Operations to ensure effective use of data, maximising our CRM to support data-based decision making, and ensuring clear KPI reporting.

**Main Duties**
- Oversee the recording of financial information in the Xero accounting system, ensuring adherence to robust processes and procedures.
- Prepare budgets and half year forecasts for internal and external reporting.
- Provide finance reports and narrative for Board and Council meetings, as well as verbal updates at meetings.
- Enhance efficiency and accuracy of financial data and KPIs through system integration.
- Prepare monthly payroll inputs for submission to the bureau, ensuring timely payment of pensions, PAYE, and NI.
- Manage and forecast cash flow proactively.
- Provide financial guidance on key strategic contracts and projects.

**Additional Duties**
- Contribute to strategic planning and delivery as part of the wider t