Senior Finance Leader — Control, Reporting & Strategy, City of Edinburgh

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a senior, hands‑on role within a values‑led organisation?

George Watson’s College is seeking a highly capable Head of Finance to take responsibility for the day‑to‑day leadership of the school’s finance function, ensuring robust financial control, high‑quality reporting and strong governance across a large and complex organisation.

Watson’s operates at significant scale, with substantial income streams, complex cost bases and a charitable governance framework. The Head of Finance will play a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, strengthening systems and processes, and supporting informed decision making across the school.

• Work closely with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer to provide financial control, statutory and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit and compliance.
• Oversee the effective operation of core finance processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency and continuous improvement.
• Lead day‑to‑day finance leadership, ensuring robust financial control, high‑quality reporting and strong governance.
• Maintain financial integrity, strengthen systems and processes and support informed decision making across a large and complex organisation.

We are looking for someone with strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a meticulous approach, who is equally comfortable working collaboratively with non‑finance colleagues. You may come from outside the education sector; what matters most is your ability to bring rigour, professionalism and pace to a demanding but rewarding environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Scotland’s leading independent schools at a key point in its journey, in a role that is both challenging and highly valued. In return, you will be part of a supportive, values‑driven community with a clear sense of purpose and ambition.

To apply for the post, please send a tailored CV and covering letter to #removed# by Midnight on Tuesday 02 June 2026. The covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should summarise your relevant experience, technical strengths and motivation for applying.

If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, please contact LHH on #removed# or email the above address.

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world‑class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.