Assistant Director, Strategic Finance; Grade M1

Final date to receive applications: 15 November 2026

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Edinburgh
- Hybrid

Reporting To: Deputy Director Finance and Operations

Compensation: Grade M1 £ 66,924 to £78,930. Civil Service Pension with Employer Contribution of 28.97%. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working.

Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to learn, educate, research and innovate, so that all of our nation can flourish.

Our purpose is to create and sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation that changes lives for the better, enriches society and supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of strategic financial planning, analysis and advice, informing decisions at senior management, executive and Board level. Provide effective financial leadership, governance and assurance, supporting the delivery of SFC’s objectives and the proper use of public funds.

Virtual interviews will be held week commencing 23 November 2026 (via Teams).

• Provide strategic financial advice, insight and understanding to the Deputy Director, Financial Planning & Analysis, and senior colleagues, informing organisational choices and responses to Scottish Government commissions.
• Drive the development of Spending Review submissions and related strategic financial analysis, coordinating input across directorates and engagement with the Scottish Government on funding priorities, pressures and budget settlements.
• Lead the production of monthly Executive Team reporting, integrating financial performance, forecasts, analysis and key risks to support strategic decision-making.
• Support the Other Programme Funds Group by providing strategic insight, analysis and advice to inform decision-making in a changing funding environment, working closely with the Deputy Director, Financial Controller on affordability.
• In delivering your responsibilities, you will take account of the post-16 funding reform programme, which will see responsibilities transfer from SDS to SFC and ensure that financial systems and processes can support this set of new responsibilities.
• Provide appropriate advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Present on financial matters to the Executive, Finance Committee, and Audit and Risk Committee, and engage with senior Scottish Government stakeholders.
• Deputise for the Deputy Director, Financial Planning & Analysis as appropriate.

It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:

Essential

• Professionally qualified accountant, or qualified by experience, with substantial strategic finance and financial management experience.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with a track record of developing effective teams, leading change, fostering a customer-focused culture, and driving continuous improvement in finance services.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyse complex issues, exercise sound judgement and translate financial information into clear, pragmatic advice for non-finance audiences.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to change and maintain a strategic, organisational-wide focus.
• Strong financial systems, data analysis and IT skills, with the ability to use complex financial information to identify trends, assess risks and opportunities, and support strategic planning and resource allocation decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with experience of building effective relationships and working confidently with senior internal and external stakeholders to deliver organisational objectives.
• Experience of presenting financial information and advice effectively at Executive Team, and committee or Board level.

Desirable

• Good understanding of the Scottish Government policy, public finance and operating environment.

• Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi-time system is in operation.
• Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata.
• A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also…