THE OPPORTUNITY

The Baird Trust (& 3 other grant giving charities *) is seeking a skilled and committed accountant. This is an important role, overseeing the charities financial operations and ensuring strong financial stewardship. You will be responsible for bookkeeping, management and statutory accounts, budgeting, financial compliance and reporting to the four Boards. Acting as Trust Secretary to each of the four Boards.

* The Ferguson Bequest Fund, The Renfield Street Trust and Sir J Donald Pollock’s Trust.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Purpose of the role

To oversee and manage all aspects of financial operations for The Baird Trust and three other charities, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and managing the financial operations of the organisations. The role includes bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting and statutory accounts. Act as Secretary of the four trusts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate financial records using SAGE and EXCEL.
• Manage and classify receipts and payments and allocate the transactions to the correct ledger accounts.

Financial management and reporting

• Produce management accounts four times a year.
• Monitor cash flow.
• Prepare annual budgets for the Boards of Directors.
• Recording Investment transactions.

Statutory Accounting

• Prepare and finalise statutory accounts in accordance with the Charity SORP.
• Liaise with the Auditors/ Independent Examiner and ensure timely submission of the Annual Accounts to Companies House and OSCR.

Governance, compliance and advisory

• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act and Scottish Charities legislation.
• Act as Company Secretary for relevant submissions and documentation.

Trust Secretarial duties

• Prepare agendas for Board meetings.
• Attend Board meetings and take the Minutes.
• Pay all grants awarded.
• Manage day to day operation of the trusts and trust office and staff.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal: Boards of Trustees and part- time Administrator.
• External: Auditors/Independent Examiner, Companies House, OSCR, Investment Advisors, Insurance Broker.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (CA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent experience) with strong charity finance experience including management accounts and statutory reporting. Familiarity with Charity SORP and regulations for non-profits and excellent working knowledge of SAGE accounting software.

Proficient in excel. Excellent attention to detail. Able to communicate financial information clearly.

Knowledge of property management.

We welcome applications from experienced professionals seeking part-time or freelance engagement.

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland. The charity is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead the team across a period of maternity leave. The Individual Giving team look after donors across philanthropy, corporate, members and legators. Internally this role is called the Head of Individual Giving, the job title has been amended for this selection process to reflect the broader remit of the role beyond regular donors.

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Director of Development, set and embed Scottish Operas Individual Giving strategy and will personally solicit gifts and steward key donors, whilst supporting and overseeing the work of the Individual Giving team.

There are some fantastic projects in the works that Scottish Opera can use to engage donors, and there is brilliant internal buy in and understanding of fundraising. Income performance is strong, so there are solid foundations from which to test and trial new ideas.

This role has wide ranging appeal. Scottish Opera are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced Head of looking to work in an exciting arts charity, taking their income success to the next level.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Work somewhere where a job is not just a ‘job’, where you can be part of a team with a passion for protecting and sharing Scotland’s heritage. Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is one of Scotland’s most important heritage sites and easily accessible from Edinburgh by road and rail. Now cared for by an independent charity, we are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our historic collections and built heritage care, our visitor storytelling, and our community programmes.

In this interesting and varied role you will be responsible for the Trust’s heritage responsibilities, overseeing achievement of Museum Accreditation and all the work which goes into maintaining this designation of professional heritage care; the delivery and further development of an exceptional visitor experience; volunteering and educational visits. Overseeing a team of five, and working closely with the fundraising team to achieve your objectives, you will be a key member of our management team and will advise trustees on all heritage and community matters. As a small charity run by staff and volunteers, you should be personable and flexible in your approach to others, and be prepared to be bitten by our passion for Scott and Abbotsford.

Join Our Board – Trustee Opportunities at Soundplay Projects

Soundplay Projects creates playful, creative and accessible experiences for children and young people through sound, music and technology. As we grow, we’re inviting new trustees to join our Board and help shape a future rooted in creativity, care and inclusion.

We’re looking for people who believe in shared leadership, thoughtful governance and the power of play. You don’t need previous trustee experience for all roles, just curiosity, care and a commitment to our mission.

Trustee Roles

Board Chair

Supporting the collective leadership of the Board, helping trustees work well together and ensuring Soundplay remains well-governed, strategic and values-led.

Treasurer / Finance Lead

Providing oversight and guidance on Soundplay’s financial health, sustainability and long-term planning, helping the Board understand and steward resources confidently.

HR & Safeguarding Trustee

Supporting strong people practices and safeguarding, ensuring Soundplay is a safe, fair and nurturing environment for staff, volunteers and young people.

Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee

Helping develop sustainable income through relationships, fundraising strategy and philanthropic support.

Marketing & Communications Trustee

Strengthening Soundplay’s voice, visibility and reach through thoughtful, inclusive and engaging communications.

Digital & Technology Trustee

Providing insight and oversight around digital systems, safety, infrastructure and innovation.

Trustee – Lived Experience / Community Voice

Bringing lived experience to the Board to ensure Soundplay’s decision-making remains grounded, accessible and representative of the communities we serve.

What it means to be a Soundplay Trustee

As a trustee, you will help guide Soundplay’s direction, support strategic thinking and contribute to a culture of care, creativity and collaboration. You will work alongside other trustees and the staff team to ensure the organisation remains ethical, sustainable and responsive to the people it serves.

We are particularly keen to hear from people who bring diverse perspectives, lived experience and voices underrepresented in governance spaces.

Support & Access

We are committed to making this experience welcoming and accessible. Support includes:

• Full induction and governance training
• Buddy trustee support
• Hybrid and accessible meeting options
• Expenses covered