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.

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.

We are looking to appoint a part-time Company Manager, to work 2.5 days per week to ensure the good governance, administration and the smooth operation of the company.

We are looking to appoint a part-time Finance Manager, to work 2 days per week to be responsible for the sound financial management of the company.