Contract Salary: £55k per annum This is a newly created role. The purpose of this role is to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed, and able to deliver its mission effectively. You will lead the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and effective financial planning to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, collaborative role in a busy team, spanning both strategic and operational finance. Being a success in this role will essentially balance three things at the same time: Over the last two years the Festival has refreshed a number of our platforms and ways of working, including updating our CRM, ticketing and finance systems (Xero). We have worked with an external consultancy firm who have reviewed our systems and processes in finance and recommended new approaches; we are seeking a financial leader who can continue to progress this transformation, embedding new systems and ways of working across the team, while managing the busy annual BAU finance operations. We are in year two of a refreshed Strategic Plan, with a focus on building organisational resilience, maximising income and building new revenue streams; our new Finance Director will play a key role in realising these ambitions. The role will be the key liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees. Essential Knowledge, skills and experience Desirable Key Responsibilities: For more information on key responsibilities please see full Job Description on Edinburgh International Book Festival Website. Please complete the online application using the links on our website: Please ensure you upload a copy of your current CV and an application letter. Your letter should outline your suitability for the post and why you wish to work at the Book Festival. You may include any other information to support your application. If the job description doesn’t answer your questions, or you would like to discuss the role further, please contact [email protected] in the first instance. Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026. Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.Job Summary
Job Description
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)
1. Financial stability, control and risk management
2. Artistic and charitable ambition
3. Long-term organisational resilience and sustainable growth Job Requirements
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience)
Significant senior financial management experience including Xero accounting system
Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits
Strong understanding of financial controls and governance
Experience presenting financial information to boards or trustees
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to work strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment
Experience working within the charity or cultural sector
Knowledge of Charity SORP and charity accounting requirements
Experience of grant funding and restricted fund management
Experience working within festivals, arts organisations, or events
Interest in literature, arts, education, or public engagement Job Responsibilities
- Financial leadership
- Financial reporting and insight
- Festival and programme support
- Sustainability and development support
- Systems and data
- Compliance, governance and risk management
- Leadership and team managementUseful Links
How to Apply
https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/about-us/jobs