Head of Finance

CANDIDATE PACK HEAD OF FINANCEDYNAMICEARTH.ORG.UKScottish Charity No. SC020363WELCOME  1 Delivering outstanding science engagement.2 Reaching more people, in more ways.3 Enhancing and transforming our science centre.4 Achieving financial and environmental sustainability.5 Maximising the quality of our relationships.Fond memories of exciting days out with family, stories about theearthquake experience or that time you touched an iceberg.People always tell you about their favourite school trips back inthe day or how much they enjoyed attending a conference, eventor Christmas party night at our stunning and unusual venue thatsits below Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.2026 is going to be an epic year for us – as we fundraise anddevelop a new Arthur’s Seat Gallery and enter the next phase ofour strategy – From Beginning to Mend. Over the next 10 yearswe have ambitious plans to become the UK’s leading scienceengagement charity by:Planetary crises and climate change are undeniable and veryalarming realities. For this reason, Dynamic Earth will increasinglyshift its storytelling to help people make sense, through science, ofwhat is happening to the planet we live on. We believe in offering a message that inspires hope. Throughscience, and sustainable living, we can achieve a positive future forus and our planet. Undoubtedly though, we need to act now.The Head of Finance is responsible for the day-to-day managementof the finance function for Dynamic Earth Enterprises Ltd andDynamic Earth Charitable Trust, ensuring accurate and timelyreporting across the organisation. Alongside the day-to-day finances the Head of Finance will playa key role in identifying opportunities to streamline workflows,utilise digital tools and improve reporting efficiency.Additionally, they will support the are ongoing fundraisingcampaigns and capital projects that look to transform andsustain our science centre as we progress through our newstrategy Beginning to Mend. As a millennium project, Dynamic Earth first opened our doors in 1999 and since then we’ve held a special place in the hearts of people living and visiting Edinburgh. Anastasia RockeCorporate Services DirectorFrom corporate events, seasonal trails and retail offerings to time-machines, scienceclubs and icebergs, Dynamic Earth is a workplace like no other! There is always anadventure around the corner and a unique challenge to solve.  We’re looking for someone who has strong experience in managing a finance team andbusiness partnering. This is a practical and hands-on management role where the Head ofFinance will collaborate with other departments to ensure the smooth running of theorganisation and help create extraordinary experiences for our visitors.Could you be that person? If the answer is yes, then I look forward to receiving your application and to meeting you in person soon. Kindest regards,ABOUT DYNAMIC EARTH We do this by providing compellingengagement at our world-classScience Centre in Edinburgh, as well asthrough our learning and engagementprogrammes across Scotland. At Dynamic Earth, we use science and immersive, interactive storytelling to stimulate minds and ignite passions in contemporary Earth and environmental science. We aim to inspire the next generationof scientists to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow by:Dynamic Earth is an Earth science engagement charity, with a mission to empower people with understandingand empathy for the Earth and its future.We recently published abold new 10-year strategy –From Beginning to Mend–along with a powerfulnew brand, to help usreach more people andto embed climate changeacross everything we do.Increasing skills and diversity inScience, Technology, Engineering andMathematics (STEM) to support currentand future industry demands.Reducing inequalities in access toquality science engagement, in orderto improve life opportunities forchildren, young people and individuals.Improving levels of understandingabout the science behind the planetarycrisis.HOW WE DELIVERScience CentreThe Dynamic Earth experience tells  CaringWe care for our people, thepeople we engage with andthe accuracy of the science inour storytelling. We also careabout the way we do businesssustainably to minimise ourimpact on the planet. InclusiveWe make sure everyone iswelcome in terms of whowe employ and engage withand seek to involve diversecommunities.Passionate the epic story of planet Earth frombeginning to mend – how it was created,how it continues to evolve and what ourfuture holds.Visitors to our exhibition will meet JamesHutton, the ‘Father of Modern Geology’,whose discoveries at Salisbury Cragshelped shape how the whole worldunderstands the origins and evolution ofthe planet. Travel back to the beginningof time to witness the history of ourUniverse and watch the ‘Big Bang’, beforeembarking on an interactive journey toexperience the primeval forces of natureas they shaped our planet.At Dynamic Earth, science is animmersive experience. You’ll feel theground shudder as a molten lava flowspeeds towards you and volcanoes throw clouds of ash and gas into the sky. Flyover glaciers and marvel at how ice andwater shaped the landscape of Scotland.Take a walk through millions of years ofevolution and extinction and explore thehistory of life. Dive into the depths ofthe sea and witness incredible marinehabitats. The polar ice caps are broughtwithin reach giving visitors the chanceto touch an iceberg. You can see yourbreath, smell the cold and feel yourhands turning numb as youstand beneath the AuroraBorealis. OUR VALUESAlove of science, a desire to share it in engaging ways andensure every part of the charityis driven by a common set ofambitions. PlanetariumEdinburgh’s only6K planetarium, witha 360-degree viewing screen andimmersive surround sound which offersa cosmic adventure through the solarsystem and beyond.Public Learning School Learners Planetarium shows run every 30 minutesand offer a wide range of NASA andScience films, as well as live showspresented by our resident Astronomerswho will take audiences from the stars tothe seabed and everything in between. DynamicEarth offers arich and vibrantpublic learning programme that providesover 60,000 science engagements eachyear for families, adults, young peopleand children in a way that’s fun andarouses curiosity. We bringthe Curriculumfor Excellence and Learning for Sustainability alive forover 30,000 learners each year; withinspirational indoor, outdoor and onlineworkshop experiences which enrich anddeepen learning journeys for childrenaged 3 to 18. We enable educators to unlockimpactful experiences across a widerange of topics, that inspire a lifelongpassion and enthusiasm for STEMlearning and careers.From storytelling sessions, summerschool activities, temporary exhibitionsto Dino’s kids science club – it’s a greatway to bring science and sustainabilitytopics to life. National Reach Inclusivity Manyschools and communities inScotland miss out on fun sciencelearning experiences because of theirgeographic location. At Dynamic Earth we reach out beyondour walls. Our experts take our inspiringand interactive experiences on the road –engaging with up to 10,000 people eachyear by visiting science festivals, schoolsand communities in remote and ruralareas. We even have an inflatable mobileplanetarium run by our Astronomers thatoffers an out-of-this-world experience topeople in underserved areas. Online learning opportunities reachdirectly into remote schools withinteractive sessions that they wouldotherwise not experience.We delivertargeted science engagement for over 3,000 people eachyear to develop skills, build confidenceand change lives by working directly withcommunity groups facing barriers tolearning. Working with each community partnerwe seek to understand their interestsand needs to create bespoke learningexperiences that make science learningaccessible and fun.Each year we provide 20Community groups and charities withour ‘Community Discovery Passes’,so the people they support can visitDynamic Earth for free.CASE STUDY: HOW WE MAKEA WORLD OF DIFFERENCEEdinburgh Young CarersSchool Outreach“We live and work in a remotearea which impacts ourchildren’s lives… Thanks toDynamic Earth they are talkingabout STEM careers they wishfor themselves. To see the light in their eyes and hear the passion in their voice is truly something!”Teacher We worked with a group of youngpeople impacted by parental substancemisuse and poverty. The relationship wasbuilt over multiple sessions, whereparticipants learned about space from ourAstronomers and then worked with ourCommunity Team and a local artist tocreate their own constellation artwork. They devised and recorded storiesabout their artwork, which were playedin amazing 360-degrees at a specialcelebration event in our Planetarium withtheir families.Edinburgh Young Carers said, ‘DynamicEarth offered our young people a safespace to let their imagination go freewhilst learning in a fun and engaging way.’You will play a key role in supporting our income generation efforts by strongly championing fundraising in anumber of ways: building valuable donor relationships, offering strategic input in major funder meetings,hosting and attending events, and leveraging Board and network connections to help develop Dynamic Earth’sfundraising potential. You will also drive the strategic direction of the organisation and further Dynamic Earth'svision and mission, which in turn allows the Fundraising team to create a compelling and clear case forsupport. FUNDRAISINGThe fundraising team aims to grow and diversify Dynamic Earth’s income, build a strong networkof engaged supporters, and secure long term financial sustainability in line with our 10-yearstrategy.We receive funding from a range of sources including the Scottish Government, trusts andfoundations, corporate sponsors, major donors, patrons, and our newly re-launchedMembership scheme. These funds support our Learning & Engagement programmes and haveenabled successful capital projects including our Discover the Deep marine gallery and LukeJerram’s Gaia, an installation blending art and science that has become an iconic feature ofDynamic Earth.Throughout the year we send regular communications and host events to connect with our supporters andattract potential funders. We’ve delivered exclusive sponsor family days, regular Member Planetariumscreenings, an annual drinks reception and dinner, special events and more.Dinners and ReceptionsConferences and Meetings Our Biosphere can hostup to 300 people for a conference and can be split into twosmaller rooms. Both rooms are equippedwith the latest technology and supported by a professional events team. We also have a selection of small meeting rooms for breakout groups.Our stratosphere has space for up to 550 for a banquet or dinner dance. We can transform the Stratosphere into any colour with our state-of-the-art LED colour change lights. Our Ozone is a soundproofed space and can be used as adance floor or independently as a drinks reception, breakout room or smaller dinner space.DYNAMIC EARTH EVENTS Dynamic Earth is a venue which offers a trulyunique setting for memorable events. Our eventsbusiness is key to financially supporting the workwe do as an educational charity.HEAD OF FINANCEPurpose of the Role Dynamic Earth has four directorates: Corporate Services, Visitor Experience & Events, Fundraising &Marketing, and Learning & Engagement. Reporting to the Corporate Services Director, this role willmanage and oversee all financial processes and procedures whilst collaborating with the other Heads ofDepartment in ensuring the smooth running of the day-to-day within the organisation. 45671 Day-to-Day Financial Management:Oversee the effective running of all day-to-dayfinance operations, including the accurate and timelyprocessing of monthly and reviewing and approvingweekly payroll.2   Financial Reporting: Lead financial reporting across the organisation,including balance sheet reconciliations, preparationof Management Accounts, reporting on fundraisingcampaigns and project expenditure and ad hocfinancial analysis and project reporting as required. 3  Budgeting / Forecasting : Produce the annual budgeting and reforecasts,providing financial analysis and insight. Ownership ofthe budgeting, forecasting, and financialperformance of seasonal events and PlanetariumLates, ensuring commercial viability and effectivecost control.Team Management: Manage and develop the Finance Team, setting clearobjectives, conducting regular performance reviews, andimplementing structured training and development plans.Process Improvement : Lead the ongoing modernisation of finance systemsand processes, with a strong focus on digitalisationand integration across platforms. Drive the reductionand elimination of paper-based processes,streamline workflows, and strengthen financialcontrols through automation and improved systemsconnectivity.Business Partnering: Partner with senior leaders and departmental managers tosupport effective financial management. Provide insight,challenge, and guidance to ensure strong budgetary controland informed decision-making.Compliance:Ensure full compliance with accounting standards, CharitiesSORP, and all relevant tax regulations, including VAT, PAYE,NIC, Gift Aid, and Import Duties.JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIESHead of FinanceStrategic Leadership: Develop and deliver a clear finance team strategy alignedwith the wider organisational strategy, ensuring the functioneffectively supports long-term goals.8Annual Accounts & Audit : Act as the primary contact for the annual audit process.Collaborate with external auditors in the preparation andcompletion of statutory accounts, including groupconsolidation, ensuring compliance with relevant reportingstandards.9TERMS &CONDITIONSReports to: Corporate Services DirectorSKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES   Hours: Full time (37.5hrs/week),permanentSalary: £42,000 – £50,000 p.a.dependent on experienceLocation: Based at Dynamic Earth, withflexibility for home working inline with the job requirements.Some travel to attend meetings.Essential SkillsProfessional Qualification – Fully qualified accountant(CA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with up-to-datetechnical knowledge and a strong understanding ofcurrent accounting standards and regulatoryrequirements.Financial Experience – A minimum of five years’experience in a similar role, with demonstrable expertisein budgeting, financial reporting, and the preparation ofannual statutory accounts..People management – Proven experience of effectiveline management, with the ability to support, develop,and motivate colleagues. Committed to fostering a high-performing team culture where individuals areempowered to reach their full potential.Budget management – Strong experience in developingannual and project budgets, with the ability to monitorperformance and ensure delivery within agreed financialparameters. Able to provide clear financial insight andchallenge where required.Eye for detail – Highly detail-oriented with strongprofessional curiosity. Brings a critical and analyticalapproach to financial oversight, ensuring accuracy,control, and continuous improvement across operations.Belief in our Values and associated behaviours –Demonstrates a genuine commitment to ourorganisational Values of Passion, Caring, and Inclusivity.Leads by example in embedding these behaviours,contributing to a positive, collaborative, and inclusiveculture.Desirable SkillsCharity Experience - Experience ofworking within a charity with multi-streamincome environment is desirable.Systems Experience – Candidates wouldbenefit from experience with Sage 200Standard, Sage 50 Payroll, Sage HR &Microsoft Teams. Passion for Dynamic Earth – We are keenfor colleagues to value the public purposeof the Charity and be supportive of FromBeginning to Mend, our ten-year strategy.Belief in the importance of STEM – We arekeen for colleagues to see science skills asthe gateway to careers for the younglearners we support, and for STEM to be abrilliant way to ensure Scotland has theskills to drive an effective society andeconomy.Desire to build a professional network –We are keen for you to visit otherattractions, know market trends and build astrong peer network where you can learnfrom others, and share knowledge too.BENEFITS HOW TO APPLY • 34 days annual leave(which includes 9 bank holidays)• Matched company pension contribution of 5%•Free staff car-parking• Life assurance cover of 4 times annual salary • Up to 3 years Critical Illness cover • Confidential EAP advice-line through Health Assured  • Free entry to ASVA member Visitor attractions (subject to conditions)• Limited Gym Membership at Marriott Holyrood Hotel (subject to conditions)• Staff canteen (complimentary tea and coffee)• Employee Values Awards• Subsidised meals and coffee from the Dynamic Earth Cafe• 25% discount in the Gift Shop• Complimentary entry to Dynamic Earth for family and friendsThe deadline for applications is 5pm, 11th March2026.Interviews will be held w/c 16 March 2026thTo Apply please send a CV and covering letter to Anastasia Rocke - Corporate Service Director -to peopleandculture@dynamicearth.org.ukdetailing why you are the best candidate for theposition.Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust (known as Dynamic Earth) is aregistered Scottish Charity, SC020363, regulated by the ScottishCharity Regulator (OSCR).  Company Reg No. SC138695THERE’S MORE TO EXPLOREDYNAMICEARTH.ORG.UK