Finance Executive

Formerly known as ACOSVO, we’ve spent 25 years supporting, connecting, and celebrating those who dedicate their work to strengthening communities. Today, our growing network of around 700 leaders represents every corner of the sector — from small, community-based organisations to national charities.

Here, leaders find space to connect, reflect, and grow. Through leadership development opportunities, peer networks, events, and tailored support, we help you share experiences, find new ideas, and build lasting relationships with others who understand the challenges and rewards of leadership.

The Finance Executive will work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure the efficient delivery of Charity Leadership Scotland’s financial operations, systems and controls. The
postholder will deliver accurate financial processing, reporting and compliance, while supporting financial planning, budgeting and governance requirements.

The postholder will support the planning and implementation of improvements to the organisation’s financial systems and processes, working with the Head of Operations and colleagues.

The Finance Executive will deliver high quality service to Charity Leadership Scotland, its members, stakeholders and partners, embodying Charity Leadership Scotland’s Staff Values.

Financial Operations and Controls:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using accounting software and associated systems.

• Process income and expenditure, including invoices, bank transactions, expenses and credit card activity, ensuring appropriate authorisation and adherence to internal controls.

• Manage accounts payable and receivable, including monitoring aged debtors and creditors.

• Undertake monthly bank reconciliations, control checks and month-end processes.

• Support effective cash flow management and day-to-day banking arrangements.

• Act as a first point of contact for routine finance queries from staff, volunteers and external contacts.

Reporting, Budgeting and Compliance

• Prepare draft management accounts, financial reports and commentary for review by the Head of Operations , CEO and Treasurer.

• Support the preparation of budgets, forecasts and monitoring reports, highlighting variances and risks.

• Maintain appropriate bookkeeping records and liaise with external accountants/auditors to support year-end accounts.

• Assist with statutory and regulatory requirements, including OSCR and Companies House filings, in conjunction with the Head of Operations and accountants.

• Support the processing, monitoring and reporting of unrestricted and restricted funds, grants and funder claims.

Payroll, Systems and Processes

• Administer payroll and pension processes, liaising with external providers as required.

• Act as a key contact for payment gateways and financial systems, working with colleagues to ensure effective operation.

• Support the planning and implementation of improvements to the organisation’s financial systems and processes, working with the Head of Operations and colleagues.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of financial systems and processes, including documentation of procedures.

• Support the correlation of membership income between the CRM and finance systems, working with relevant colleagues.

Governance, Administration and Support

• Provide finance-related administrative support to Board and sub-committee processes as required, including preparation of financial papers.

• Support governance administration relating to Trustees, including statutory registers and filings, as appropriate to the role.

• Assist with AGM preparation from a financial and administrative perspective.

Team and Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to a positive member and stakeholder experience, ensuring finance-related queries are handled efficiently and professionally.

• Ensure all records are accurate, complete and maintained in line with GDPR and organisational policies.

• Work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues to deliver organisational objectives.

• Adhere to Health and Safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and other organisational policies at all times.

• Maintain and develop professional knowledge through relevant training and research.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required.

Essential Skills:

• C1. Strong attention to detail with a commitment to high levels of accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• C2. Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently , while recognising when to seek support.
• C3. Proactive, reliable and solutions focused.
• C4. Demonstrates honesty, integrity and a commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• C5. Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• C6. Comfortable working with finance systems, databases and CRM systems.
• C7. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• C8. Ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• C9. Strong interpersonal skills and confidence liaising with internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable skill: Ability to produce guidance, training materials and user instructions.

Essential Experience:

• E1. Relevant experience in a finance or financial administration role.
• E2. Experience of working with accounting or finance software systems (e.g. QuickBooks or equivalent) and understanding how they support organisational processes.
• E3. Experience of transactional finance, reconciliations and financial record keeping.
• E4. Experience supporting budgeting, financial reporting and year end processes.
• E5. Experience supporting payroll and pensions administration.
• E6. Understanding of internal controls and financial compliance requirements.
• E7. Experience contributing to the development or modernisation of finance systems or processes.
• E8. Experience of communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable Experience:

• F1. Experience working in a charity or membership organisation.
• F2. Experience of providing support to Boards or Trustees.
• F3. Experience of leading or supporting the implementation of a new finance system.
• F4. Experience of reviewing system options and engaging with software providers or consultants.
• F5. Experience of supporting staff through change, including producing guidance and/or delivering basic system training.