Charity registered in Scotland SC015600
The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland aims to provide “funds for improving and extending the opportunities for study and research in the Universities of Scotland”. Established in 1901 under a Trust Deed signed by Andrew Carnegie, and incorporated by Royal Charter on 21 August 1902, the Trust was funded by a gift of US$10 million. The current value of the endowment is approximately £73 million yielding an income of around £3 million each year. The Trust is a registered charity in Scotland: SC015600.
The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland occupies a unique place in the charitable and higher education landscape in Scotland. Established over 120years ago, but with a firmly modern outlook, it has a strong financial base and an ability to make a real and distinct difference through its grant giving. It has an established reputation for assisting those who might otherwise have struggled to attain higher learning and research, which can change lives and benefit broader society.
In the small executive team running the Trust, the Head of Finance is an important role and the imminent retiral of the incumbent presents an opportunity to bring in fresh thinking to this forward looking organisation. A part time role, it offers considerable flexibility around the pattern of work, both in location and timing; and so could potentially suit someone returning to the workplace, needing flexibility and balance.
The Head of Finance provides all accounting and financial management for the Trust and acts as the Accounting Officer for the shared building and facilities of Andrew Carnegie House. The Head of Finance has overall responsibility for the Trust’s systems of financial control and supports the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer on financial and investment strategy and planning and is assisted by the Trust’s Administrator.
The Head of Finance is a key member of the Trust’s Senior Management Team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Trust’s Manager, Board of Trustees and Sub-Committees. The postholder will take an active role in forward planning and decision making within the organisation.
Specific responsibilities include:
• Accounting and Financial control
• Financial management and planning
• Investments
• Corporate Governance
• Payroll and Pensions
• IT and data.
The successful candidate will be a professional accountant and a member of a relevant professional CCAB body. The role requires excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to use initiative and work independently.
On offer is the opportunity to work in a great environment as part of a great team doing something with significant social purpose and value. As Head of Finance there is a direct sense of control over the ways of working and a direct sense of impact and reward.