The Organisation
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment is delighted to be partnering exclusively on a retained basis with Dundee Heritage Trust, an independent Scottish charity dedicated to preserving, protecting and sharing Dundee's rich industrial, maritime and cultural heritage. Established in 1985, the Trust is responsible for two of Scotland's most recognised heritage attractions, Discovery Point and RRS Discovery and Verdant Works Museum, welcoming approximately 80,000 visitors each year.
As a values-led organisation, Dundee Heritage Trust plays a vital role in supporting Dundee's tourism, cultural and educational sectors while preserving nationally significant collections and historic assets for future generations. Through exhibitions, learning programmes, community engagement activities and major conservation projects, the Trust continues to build on its reputation as one of Scotland's leading heritage organisations.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the organisation at a significant stage in its development, including involvement in the ambitious Discovery Point Transformation Project, a circa £10 million investment designed to transform the visitor experience and strengthen the Trust's long-term commercial and educational offering.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Senior Management Team and Board, the Finance Manager will lead the finance function and provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation. This appointment represents an important succession opportunity within the Trust and will play a key role in supporting its continued development and long-term sustainability.
The successful candidate will take ownership of all aspects of financial management, reporting and compliance, ensuring robust financial control and governance across the organisation. Alongside leading the finance agenda, the role will provide valuable commercial and operational insight to support decision-making and help deliver the Trust's strategic objectives.
This is a broad and varied position that combines strategic leadership with hands-on financial management and people management, making it an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys influencing organisational direction while running day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of the organisation's financial strategy and financial planning activities.
- Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and financial plans aligned to organisational objectives.
- Monitor financial performance against budget and provide analysis and recommendations on variances.
- Produce monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior stakeholders and budget holders.
- Manage cash flow, liquidity and investment balances to support operational requirements.
- Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance and payroll requirements.
- Act as the principal contact for auditors, bankers and professional advisers.
- Support operational and commercial decision-making through high-quality financial insight and analysis.
- Provide financial oversight and reporting for grant funding, including capital, project and operational grants.
- Contribute to pricing, cost management and value-for-money initiatives to support financial sustainability.
- Lead and develop the finance team while supporting the oversight of IT administration activities.
- Play an active role within the management team, contributing to organisational objectives and strategic initiatives.
The Candidate
We are seeking a qualified accountant (ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) who can combine strong technical expertise with commercial awareness, people management and a collaborative approach.
The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and will enjoy working within a purpose-driven organisation where finance plays a key role in supporting decision-making and long-term sustainability.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- Qualified accountant status through a recognised professional body (ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA).
- Financial management experience
- Strong financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting capabilities.
- Experience presenting financial information and insight to Board-level stakeholders.
- A track record of successful team leadership, staff development and performance management.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience managing budgets, identifying efficiencies and supporting commercial decision-making.
Previous experience within the charity, not-for-profit or wider third sector environment would be advantageous, although candidates from commercial sectors with relevant transferable skills and a strong appreciation of the Trust's mission will also be considered.
What's on Offer
In addition to joining one of Dundee's most respected heritage organisations and playing a key role in its future development, the successful candidate will receive:
- Salary up to £58,000 dependent upon experience.
- Flexible working arrangements, with both full-time and part-time working patterns considered.
- Hybrid working model, typically three days in the office and two days from home.
- 31 days annual leave
- TOIL scheme.
- ASVA Card providing free or discounted entry to over 450 museums, historic sites and visitor attractions across the UK.
Next Steps
To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Emma Clitherow, Senior Recruitment Manager at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment, for a confidential discussion. A full candidate information pack is available upon request.
Applications are welcomed from individuals who are passionate about making a difference and who can bring strong financial leadership to support the long-term success of Dundee Heritage Trust.