Location: The Stables, Falkland Estate, Falkland, Fife, KY15 7AF, ScotlandSalary: Circa £40,000 FTE (pro-rata for 21 hours per week)Hours: 21 hours per week. Working pattern to be agreed. Flexibility required to support operational needs, with scope for hybrid working where appropriate.Reports to: Estate Director
About Falkland Estate
Nestled in the hills at the heart of Fife, Falkland Estate spans approximately 4,000 acres in total of exceptional landscape, heritage and natural beauty. The Estate welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually and operates as a purpose-led regenerative estate.
Falkland Estate Trust (FET) is owned by a private (Stuart) family trust who are actively considering how to hand assets on to a new form of steward-ownership. Falkland Rural Enterprise Ltd (FREL) is responsible for running Pillars of Hercules and the Home Farm. Falkland Stewardship Trust (FST) is a charitable company that cares for heritage assets and stewardship education. All three boards are committed to the wellbeing of this place - balancing social, environmental and financial returns - and an inspiring vision of being a beacon of learning and sustainability in Scotland.
The Estate comprises:
The A-listed House of Falkland (leased to an independent additional support needs school)
Five farmhouses and 22 long-term and holiday-let cottages
Circa 1,000 acres of woodland & 3000 acres of farmland, inc. some organic
Recreational grounds, event spaces, and an extensive network of public paths
Commercial enterprises and opportunities inc. Stables shop & café, Pillars of Hercules farm & café, Woodland hub, self-catering properties, and car parks
The Estate is entering an important new phase of enterprising stewardship, with the long-term aim of establishing a values-led charitable company to safeguard heritage, sustainability, community participation and public access for future generations.
The Role
We are seeking a Head of Finance to provide senior financial leadership across the Estate and its various entities, spanning both charitable and commercial operations.
This is a strategic and hands-on role during a pivotal period of transition. The postholder will strengthen the Estate’s financial framework, working closely with the Estate Director, staff and board members to ensure clarity, resilience and long-term sustainability.
A core element of the role will be to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Estate’s current financial landscape and shape a sustainable, regenerative financial future. The Head of Finance will review existing financial practices, systems and controls, and lead the implementation of proportionate improvements to performance, governance and risk management.
The role carries responsibility for financial oversight across multiple rural commercial enterprises and a charitable trust. The successful candidate will provide clear, confident financial insight and consolidated reporting to support informed decision-making at both operational and Board level.
The scope of the role will remain under review to ensure alignment with agreed hours, organisational priorities and the evolving governance structure.
Key Responsibilities
Provide senior financial leadership and act as our principal financial officer
Lead financial strategy, planning, forecasting and consolidated reporting across entities
Review and strengthen financial systems, controls and governance processes
Implement and monitor departmental budgetary controls and financial discipline
Prepare management accounts, VAT returns and cashflow forecasts
Ensure compliance with HMRC, Companies House, OSCR and other statutory bodies
Support strategic and scenario planning with the Estate Director & Boards
Present clear, accessible financial information to Boards and key stakeholders
Provide oversight and supervision of day-to-day financial operations across all entities
Work with senior officers and Trustees with financial responsibilities to agree effective communication protocols and sound operating procedures
Work with the Estate Partnership Board to develop and implement criteria and processes for decision making in relation to estate investment and improvement
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Knowledge
Experienced finance professional with at least five years’ responsibility in a finance leadership or senior accounting role
Strong technical expertise in budgeting, cash flow management, financial reporting and forecasting
Experience working across multiple entities and or complex organisations, ideally including both commercial and charitable organisations
Demonstrable experience reviewing, strengthening and embedding financial systems and processes
Ability to build constructive working relationships across operational teams and functions
Experience of rural estate, hospitality, land‑based or heritage‑led operations is desirable but not essential.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in accountancy, business or economics
Professional qualification highly desirable (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, IFA or similar)
Key Competencies
Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
Excellent analytical and problem‑solving capability
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and confidently to both operational teams and Trustees
High levels of integrity, reliability and professional judgement
Collaborative and confident working across diverse teams
Proactive and solutions‑focused, with a long‑term view of sustainability and stewardship
Ability to work effectively with existing teams and established systems, embedding financial discipline while providing practical business support
Proven experience supervising and providing line management oversight of day‑to‑day financial transactions, ensuring robust controls, accuracy and compliance
Experience with financial platforms such as Xero and expenditure management tools (e.g. Pleo) as well as knowledge of EPOS integrations
Practical understanding of financial management within property, land, agricultural or hospitality environments (advantageous)
Resilient and adaptable, comfortable operating within a dynamic and evolving estate environment
In Summary
This is a rare opportunity to:
Lead and shape financial operations within a historic, multi‑faced estate
Work closely with the Estate Director and Trustees during a significant period of transition
Apply senior financial expertise across both charitable and commercial contexts
Contribute directly to the long‑term legacy and stewardship of Falkland Estate
How to Apply
Please submit your application form and brief covering letter outlining your experience and skills and what you are able to bring to this role to our HR Consultant, Jan MacDonald – jmacdonald@stepscotland.co.uk. The closing date for applications is Friday 10th April 2026.
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