Finance Manager

Job title: Finance Manager

Hours: Permanent, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)

Salary: £54,816 – £60,907 (£43,852 – £48,725 pro rata)

Location: Thistle House, Edinburgh (hybrid working)

Reports to: Head of Culture & Corporate Services

Direct reports: 1 x Finance Officer (1 FTE, increasing to 1.5 FTE)

Annual Budget Responsibility: Approx. £7m

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is recruiting an experienced and motivated Finance Manager to lead our finance function and play a key role in supporting our mission to protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.

As an independent statutory body, we ensure that care, treatment and support across Scotland are lawful, ethical and person centred. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values driven organisation with a strong public service ethos.

About the Role

The Finance Manager is the most senior finance professional within the Commission, responsible for delivering robust financial management, statutory compliance, payroll oversight, and strategic financial advice. You will oversee an annual budget of approximately £7m and act as the organisation’s subject matter expert for all financial matters.

Working closely with the Head of Culture & Corporate Services, you will lead on:

• Financial reporting, analysis and advice to the CEO, executive leadership team and the Board
• Annual budget setting and multi-year forecasting
• Year-end accounts and external/internal audit
• Payroll and the annual pay award process in line with Scottish Government Pay Policy
• Financial controls, policies, procedures and risk management
• Procurement compliance and value for money
• Managing the shared services arrangement with Scottish Government (Oracle)

This role offers significant autonomy, influence and the opportunity to shape financial stewardship across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAS or equivalent)
• Significant experience in public sector financial management
• Strong knowledge of the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) and Scottish Government

Pay Policy

• Experience managing payroll and related processes
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills
• The ability to work independently across a wide remit
• A commitment to public sector values, integrity and continuous improvement
• People management experience and familiarity with Scottish Government shared services (Oracle) is desirable.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working
• Modern open plan office and facilities in the centre of Edinburgh
• Generous annual leave and NHS pension
• Supportive, inclusive organisational culture
• Opportunities for professional development
• A meaningful role contributing to human rights and public service in Scotland
• An organisation which is keen to continue to adapt and transform to meet the needs of the people it serves

How to Apply

Full details, including the job description and person specification, are available in the recruitment pack.

Applications should be submitted in line with the instructions provided by 14 July 2026 at midday. It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 23 July 2026 at our office in Edinburgh.