Finance Director

Edinburgh RHASS is Scotland’s agricultural charity and is the leading voice for Scottish agriculture and the rural community. Founded in 1784, with the guiding principles to promote the regeneration of rural Scotland, these principles still ring true today. In 2024 and beyond, the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support the industry and people who live and work in the Scottish countryside, by uniting communities and investing in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment. RHASS is a membership charity, with 16,000 members. This community is built on a legacy of integrity, honesty and genuine care for the countryside and people who have dedicated their lives to it.

Their members play a key role in helping RHASS to realise Scotland’s agricultural ambitions. RHASS supports these communities through funding and awards, empowering farmers, rural businesses, charities and individuals. They fund projects that help advance Scottish agriculture through innovation, wellbeing and sustainable practices, fund placements which educate and connect people to opportunities, fund partner charities and organisations who work in and for the people of rural Scotland (RHET (Royal Highland Educational Trust), RSABI and SAYFC) and further support the sector through the Local Show Engagement fund.

RHASS is known for the delivery of the largest gathering of the agricultural community in the UK, the Royal Highland Show. Held annually, the Show is one of Scotland’s most iconic events, and RHASS’ biggest fundraiser. Showcasing the best of farming, food and rural life at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, the event attracts over 1,000 exhibitors, 4,500 livestock and up to 217,000 visitors. RHASS has three linked organisations; Highland Centre Limited, a trading company managing Scotland’s largest indoor & outdoor venue, SARDC a joint property venture, and The Royal Highland Education Trust.

This Finance Director (FD) role has been developed to reflect a shift in emphasis of the finance function from effective operational financial planning, monitoring and reporting to developing and enhancing the decision-making and long-term strategic development of RHASS, its subsidiary companies and to help develop the wider industry through greater charitable impact. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), working closely with the Chief Executive and Board, the FD will provide forward thinking financial leadership, supporting the delivery of RHASS’s substantial strategic growth ambitions. They 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.

Key responsibilities:

• Accuracy, timeliness and ownership of all financial information, insight and commentary

• Lead the strategic planning and financial management of the Society and its subsidiary companies

• Effectively manage the Society’s investment portfolio (in property, cash, equities and bonds) investigate and recommend new opportunities and strategies for asset utilisation and growth

• Management reporting, forward planning, budgeting/forecasting, ad hoc analysis for the Board of Directors, Committees and Senior Management Team • Develop and maintain financial systems, procedures and internal controls

• Develop, coach and lead the Finance team and their capabilities to deliver greater value to the organisation • Ensure legal and regulatory financial compliance in relation to charity and company law