The Organisation

Inspiring Scotland is a registered Scottish charity and one of the world’s largest venture philanthropy organisations, supporting, developing and maximising the social impact of charities operating across Scotland. Founded in 2008, Inspiring Scotland has developed a strong reputation for delivery and making a real difference, which has driven significant growth. It now operates nine social-issue funds, supporting over 200 charities, manages £20m of charity grant-making per annum and has over 30 employees.

Inspiring Scotland was formed to tackle the long-term, entrenched social problems faced by Scotland. Problems such as poverty and longstanding deprivation have caused deep-rooted, self-perpetuating inequalities among our communities, leading to long-term unemployment, poor health, and diminished opportunities. Inspiring Scotland tackles these problems by raising funding from private individuals, trusts and foundations, Scottish Government and local authorities and investing in social funds addressing specific themes such as youth employability, outdoor play and learning, community development and mentoring for care-experienced and vulnerable young people.

We adopt a venture philanthropy business model where financial support to individual charities is matched with tailored business development support. This model helps charities to increase the scale and effectiveness of their activities, and to build greater capacity and resilience. Ultimately, Inspiring Scotland helps essential charities to become extraordinary charities.

One of the main reasons for Inspiring Scotland’s success is its people, who have been attracted from roles across the private, public and third sectors by the opportunity to make a difference and work for an organisation that is forward thinking and people focused. We believe that providing job satisfaction and a work-life balance for our staff is the right thing to do. This has been recognised through Inspiring Scotland winning the Institute of Directors Award for Family Friendly and Flexible Working award in 2015 and both Scotland’s and the UK’s most Family Friendly Third Sector Employer in 2017.

For more information on Inspiring Scotland please see our 2017 Overview (https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Inspiring-Scotland-2017-Overview-FINAL.pdf) and our website (https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/).

The Opportunity

Due to recent growth in the social-issue funds we manage, and the imminent launch of a new 10-year fund, Inspiring Scotland is looking for a part time (21 hours a week) Financial Controller to join them in their Edinburgh office.

Working closely with the Finance Director, the role offers a unique opportunity for a qualified accountant to work for an innovative and growing third sector organisation that actively supports over 200 Scottish charities. Given the lean nature of the finance function, the role will provide a great variety of experience and the opportunity to take on increased responsibility as the role develops.

Inspiring Scotland has an employee-centric culture and a proven track record of providing family friendly working arrangements.

Candidate

This is a key role in a growing organisation that is committed to looking after and supporting its staff.

To be considered for this position, you must be a fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/CA). The role would suit an individual from the private, public or third sector who has an interest in making a real difference.

Inspiring Scotland operates a lean finance function, and it is important that the successful candidate is able to take ownership of their duties. It is likely that the successful candidate will have experience of working in a position where they have been used to taking on a range of responsibilities and balancing a number of competing priorities.

You will have excellent attention to detail and accuracy, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be comfortable and experienced with operating excel and have an excellent track record of reporting, analysis and forecasting. Knowledge of the accounting system Sage is beneficial; however, training will be provided.

You will be organised, systematic, pragmatic and flexible and have excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.

Above all else, Inspiring Scotland is looking for more than an accountant. We want someone who shares our passion to make a difference. We want someone who is enthusiastic and brings their own contribution to a vibrant and effective charity, and who is excited to be part of a unique and successful organisation. We also want someone who will embrace a flat structure, show initiative and thrive within a culture of flexibility. Most of all, we want someone who will share our values, by being bold, compassionate, knowledgeable and effective.

Job Description

The purpose of the role is to support the Finance Director to optimise Inspiring Scotland's financial performance and strategic position. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will support:

• The maintenance of accurate financial accounting records and procedures.
• The completion of the monthly management accounts and the provision of monthly management information to the individual social funds and senior management team.
• The provision of quarterly financial reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• The financial control of funds raised from donors and granted to the charities supported by Inspiring Scotland.
• The delivery of the annual statutory accounts.

• The financial budgeting and reforecasting processes.
• Risk management, the risk register and insurance renewals.

In addition, you will take responsibility for a number of key processes, including:

• The effective management of the payroll and expenses processes.
• Ensuring that internal controls are effective and efficient.
• Building effective working relationships with the social-issue funds operated by Inspiring Scotland, and providing support to the Performance Advisors in these funds, through the delivery of appropriate management information and analysis.

Other duties will include managing the operational relationships with external auditors, bankers, lawyers, insurance providers and other relevant advisors.

Inspiring Scotland believes in supporting the development of its staff, and it may be possible to expand the remit of the role to meet the requirements of an outstanding candidate.

Remuneration

Working Hours                 21 hours per week, the split of which is negotiable

Salary                                  £35,000 to £40,000 pro rata for 21 hours per week, dependent on experience

Pension                               Employer contribution of 9.25%

Holidays                              29 days, 8 bank holidays and 1 non-working day

Life Cover                           Death in Service

Medical Care                     Private Medical Insurance