Finance Director
Figure in Our Success
RHASS
Finance Director
Ingliston, Edinburgh
Salary- Circa £78,000, plus excellent benefits package
The Society
Since 1784, The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), has been the respected standard bearer for farming and rural industry in Scotland. With around 15,000 members, its key remit is to promote Scotland’s land based and allied businesses. A registered charity, the Society plays a pivotal role in the creation of a better understanding of the management of Scotland’s land and rural resources.
RHASS is known for delivering its flagship event each year, the Royal Highland Show. The Show is one of Scotland’s most iconic events, showcasing the very best of Food, Farming & Rural Life. The spectacular event, held in June each year attracts 195,000 visitors, 1,000 exhibitors and the best livestock from across the UK. It was with huge disappointment, therefore, that the planned 180th show in 2020 had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. Due to the ongoing restrictions, RHASS has committed that this year a live Showcase will go ahead behind closed doors, week commencing 14th June. The Showcase is a significant step in innovation and will be livestreamed to a global audience, giving a fantastic opportunity to lead towards the180th Royal Highland Show celebration in 2022, the bicentennial anniversary of the very first show.
RHASS has three subsidiary organisations, Highland Centre Ltd (HCL), a trading company managing Scotland’s largest indoor & outdoor venue; Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), a registered charity which aims to provide every child in Scotland to learn about food, farming and the countryside, and the Royal Highland Society Development Trust, which manages investments, primarily for the benefit of RHASS.
The Position
This new leadership role has been developed to reflect a shift in emphasis of the finance function from safe and effective operational financial planning to developing and enhancing the decision-making and long-term strategic development of RHASS and its subsidiary companies.
As a key member of the SMT, working closely with the CEO and Board, you will provide forward thinking financial leadership, supporting the delivery of RHASS’s substantial strategic growth ambitions. You will lead on the development of the finance directorate and advise the CEO and Board of Directors on financial and resource matters, fostering a culture of financial responsibility, ensuring value for money and that robust systems of control and financial governance are in place.
The Candidate
You will be fully qualified, have substantial experience of leading a finance function at a senior level, and ideally you will have had exposure to the charity sector. Experience of charity bonds or other forms of social investment would be a distinct advantage.
Above all cultural fit to a food & farming environment is essential, along with your hands on approach you will display strong commercial acumen, and strategic business knowledge with an interest in entrepreneurial growth opportunities.
For a confidential discussion regarding RHASS and your suitability, please contact Nigel Fortnum of Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.
More information can be found within the documents below:
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter below.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 3rd August 2022