About us

We are Young Scot, Scotland’s national youth information and citizenship agency. We’re a constant in the lives of young people, woven into the very fabric of growing up in Scotland. We’ve been delivering direct services for over 40 years to ensure that all young people in Scotland are connected to information, opportunities and experiences that support them to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Young Scot is a nationally trusted brand with deep reach, strong partnerships and unique assets - including data, insight, participation expertise and access to young people across Scotland. More than 880,000 young people have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card, with more than 160,000 of them signed up as Young Scot members. Last year our young.scot site had almost 1.7million visits, and well over 1000 locations across Scotland offer Young Scot perks and discounts.

The role

The Finance Manager will be responsible for managing the overall finance function of Young Scot. You will have strong background knowledge and experience in similar roles and an appropriate accountancy qualification. This role is an exciting chance to have overall responsibility for the dynamic financial and accounting elements of a values-based charity committed to supporting young people to thrive.

What you’ll be doing from day-to-day

• Leading and delivering the finance function of the organisation, including financial management, controls, audit and strategies to ensure we are meeting our own standards as well as regulatory/reporting obligations.
• Providing financial advice and support to the CEO, Deputy CEO and others on annual budget preparations and wider business development.
• Leading on month-end process and production of monthly reports, management accounts, cashflow and financial analysis.
• Managing the monthly Payroll and all regulatory requirements for HMRC.
• Preparing quarterly financial reports for Young Scot Board and attending Board meetings as required.
• Preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns.
• Monitoring cashflow through the management of debt collection and credit control for the organisations.
• Preparing annual accounts for audit and leading the audit process, including liaising with auditors to produce annual statutory accounts.
• Meeting regularly with budget holders, ensuring accurate and timely information is made available to them.
• Providing finance training, as required, to staff and Trustees.
• Managing external stakeholder relationships for Young Scot, as appropriate.
• Be able to line manage any future Finance Assistant posts appointed.
• Any other duties as required by the CEO/Senior Leadership Team

A great candidate will have a mix of these skills and experiences

• Recognised relevant accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPA.
• Previous experience, good knowledge and understanding of accounting packages, specifically Xero.
• Previous experience and/or excellent understanding of a successful finance function within a not-for-profit organisation - from basic processing to producing annual accounts and high-level reports.
• Good knowledge and understanding of operating at a strategic level.
• An understanding of Charity Financial Regulations (preferred).
• Good knowledge and understanding of VAT.
• Good communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Proven ability of the management of staff/support and supervision.
• Effective organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• A demonstrable connection and belief in the values of Young Scot.

About us

We are Young Scot, Scotland’s national youth information and citizenship agency. We’re a constant in the lives of young people, woven into the very fabric of growing up in Scotland. We’ve been delivering direct services for over 40 years to ensure that all young people in Scotland are connected to information, opportunities and experiences that support them to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Young Scot is a nationally trusted brand with deep reach, strong partnerships and unique assets - including data, insight, participation expertise and access to young people across Scotland. More than 880,000 young people have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card, with more than 160,000 of them signed up as Young Scot members. Last year our young.scot site had almost 1.7million visits, and well over 1000 locations across Scotland offer Young Scot perks and discounts.

The role

Young Scot is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial and delivery-focused leader to help shape and drive a step-change in how we generate income and build partnerships.

This is a pivotal role at a defining moment for the organisation with the recent appointment of a new CEO, as well launching a new organisational strategic vision. As we evolve our operating model and ambitions, you will lead the development of a more diverse, sustainable and innovative income portfolio - ensuring we can continue to deliver meaningful impact for young people aged 11–26 across Scotland.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team (SLT), you will design and implement a new income generation strategy, unlocking opportunities across corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, public sector funding and earned income streams. You will take an “intrapreneurial” approach - building new propositions, testing ideas and embedding a culture where income generation is seen as a shared organisational priority.

This role offers significant autonomy, creativity and influence. You will be equally comfortable setting strategic direction and personally leading high-value relationships, as you are enabling written bids and researching new partnerships.

Why this role matters

This role will:

Strengthen our financial resilience and long-term sustainability

Unlock new forms of value and social income generation

Expand our influence across sectors and policy areas

Enable us to reach and support more young people

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and skilled worker to lead the delivery of our North Edinburgh Futures programme — a new early intervention project offering safe, engaging, co designed youth work for 10–15 year olds during evenings and weekends.

You will:

• Plan & deliver high quality youth work sessions, workshops & trips
• Lead & support a team of sessional youth workers
• Build positive relationships with young people & families
• Reduce barriers to participation and promote inclusion
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, organisations & specialist providers
• Maintain accurate monitoring records & support reporting to funders
• Promote safeguarding, trauma informed practice & reflective learning
• Work flexibly, including evenings & weekends

You need:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience working with young people in a youth work or related setting
• Experience planning, delivering and evaluating group activities
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and confidence supporting staff
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team
• Understanding of trauma informed, inclusive practice
• Social media confidence
• Experience supporting staff/volunteers (desirable)
• Driving licence or willingness to gain minibus training (desirable)