Finance Manager

Finance Manager  Vacancy Status : FILLED  Job Title: Finance Manager  Client: Unicorn Preservation Society  Location: Dundee City Centre with some potential for hybrid working  Job Type: 18 month Contract with potential for extension, subject to funding  Salary: £43k FTE (0.6 pro rata) plus £1,500 Duty Manager allowance with potential to increase hours  Closing Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025  Reference: UPS02  Click to download job specification 

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This role offers a rare and powerful opportunity to secure the future of HMS Unicorn, the third oldest ship in the world still afloat and Scotland’s only surviving wooden warship, for generations to come. Few positions provide the chance to leave such a meaningful and enduring legacy through your work.

The Finance Manager holds overall responsibility for the financial management of the Unicorn Preservation Society and the shore-based office in Dundee City Centre. This includes comprehensive financial oversight, administrative leadership, and support for Project Safe Haven. The role will be central to implementing financial procedures to support the organisation’s growth and strategic objectives.

As a key member of the senior management team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Trustees, Fundraising & Communication, and Project Safe Haven teams to ensure robust financial governance, strategic financial planning, and effective administrative support across the organisation.

Unicorn Preservation Society
Launched in 1824, HMS Unicorn is the third oldest ship in the world still afloat and Scotland’s only surviving wooden warship. Now an Accredited Museum in Dundee’s City Quay, visitors can explore four decks that offer a unique glimpse into 19th century naval life.

Our mission is to deliver a world-class museum experience while safeguarding HMS Unicorn’s future and making our collections accessible to all. We aim to inspire visitors and staff alike, providing lifelong learning and engagement
opportunities for our local communities and beyond.

A Huge Ambition
The Unicorn Preservation Society (UPS) has recently secured nearly £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to advance Project Safe Haven – our ambitious conservation initiative to relocate HMS Unicorn to Dundee’s East Graving Dock. This critical move will ensure the long-term preservation of this
irreplaceable maritime treasure while creating a purpose-built visitor centre that will transform Dundee’s historic waterfront and enhance community engagement.

This role is made possible through National Lottery Heritage Fund support and represents an exciting opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment in HMS Unicorn’s 200-year history.

This is an inaugural senior position with the organisation and, as such, you should be comfortable working in a purposeful and rapidly evolving environment. You should possess:

• A professional qualification in accounting (ACA, ACMA, CIPFA, or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in financial management within charitable or not-for-profit sectors, including complex budget management
• Comprehensive knowledge of charity accounting principles, SORP requirements, and relevant regulatory frameworks (including OSCR compliance)
• Experience in managing contracts, tenders, and procurement processes in compliance with funding requirements
• Demonstrated experience in managing grant funding with associated financial reporting mechanisms
• Proven experience in team leadership and management
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency in financial management software (especially Xero) and MS Office applications

Knowledge of financial management within museums, historic ships, or visitor attractions would be a distinct advantage.

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