Board Role Profile - Director - Finance Specialist
Role Profile: Director (Specialist expertise - Finance)
Role Title: Director (Specialist expertise – Finance)
Organisation: Foundation of Hearts
Location: Remote with attendance at meetings and events
Time Commitment: Part-time, voluntary
Overview
The Foundation of Hearts (FoH) is a fan-led organisation dedicated to ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. The Board of the Foundation plays a crucial role in representing the interests of its members, strengthening engagement, and working collaboratively with the club to drive long-term security, stability and success.
As a Board Member with Specialist expertise in Finance/Accounts, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the Foundation, champion the voices of our members, and help grow and sustain the membership base. This voluntary role requires a deep commitment to the values and objectives of the Foundation, along with a willingness to work collaboratively to achieve its goals. There is also the potential for 1 Board member to sit as an FoH Representative on the main Club board alongside the FoH Chair. This position is decided by vote from the FoH board.
This is a specialised role which requires experience and a proven track record in Accounting/Finance together with a relevant accounting qualification.
Key Responsibilities
Specific Accounting Responsibilities
• Overseeing monthly management accounts approach monitoring income and expenditure against budget.
• Approval of payment of expenses.
• Determining amount of cash to be transferred to the club at the end of each month and organising the transfer.
• Preparing annual budget for approval by the board.
• Responsibility for the annual statutory accounts working with external accountants.
• Presenting the financial results at the annual AGM.
General Responsibilities
• Governance & Strategy: Participate in setting the strategic direction of the Foundation, ensuring good governance, transparency, and financial oversight.
• Member Engagement: Represent and advocate for the interests of Foundation members, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in key decisions. Spend time at events and forums talking to our members and seeking feedback.
• Collaboration with the Club: Maintain a positive and constructive relationship with Heart of Midlothian FC, working to strengthen the partnership between the club and our members.
• Marketing & Growth: Support initiatives to grow the membership base, develop and enhance member benefits, and improve communication.
• Events & Representation: Organise, attend and contribute to Foundation events, including Foundation Day, plot ceremonies, ongoing regular and ad hoc member social occasions (90 Minutes, Pub Nights etc.) and member forums.
• Fundraising & Sustainability: Assist in maintaining financial sustainability through fundraising, sponsorships, and innovative engagement strategies.
Person Specification
Essential
• A proven track record in an Accounts/Finance role with a relevant accounting qualification.
• Passion for Heart of Midlothian FC and a strong commitment to fan ownership and engagement and a current membership of FoH.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse membership base.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with a collaborative approach to decision-making.
• Understanding of governance and financial accountability within a not-for-profit or member-led organisation.
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the Foundation, including creating and delivering projects to help increase member numbers and engagement together with attending meetings and events.
Desirable
• Experience in areas such as marketing, finance, fundraising, legal, governance, or community engagement.
• Previous experience serving on a board or committee, particularly in a voluntary capacity.
• Strong network within the Hearts community and/or broader footballing world.
Term & Commitment
The position of Director is subject to FoH elections with 3-year terms, with a maximum of 3 terms from FoH elections totalling 9 years, in accordance with FoH articles of association. The role requires a commitment to attend regular board meetings (in person as often as possible or virtually, when required), participate in key events, and contribute to ongoing projects.
Why Join the Foundation of Hearts Board?
By joining the Foundation of Hearts Board you have a chance to play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of Heart of Midlothian FC and Fan Ownership. You can represent the voices of thousands of passionate members. You will work alongside like-minded individuals dedicated to fan ownership and club success. You will Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic decision-making, and football administration.