Chief Finance and Operations Officer - High Wycombe

Charity People have partnered with Coeliac UK, to help recruit their next Chief Finance and Operations Officer.

Advising and supporting people for nearly 60 years, Coeliac UK are seen as the global experts in the patient experience of coeliac disease. You will be responsible for leading all our Finance and Compliance requirements as well as our Central Operations functions (HR, Facilities, IT, and Programme Office).

As part of the senior leadership team, you will share responsibility for delivering the new strategy agreed with the Board and work closely with your team to drive an effective organisation. If you enjoy leading transformation, whilst ensuring quality of delivery across functions, this is the role for you. In return you will be joining as the Charity develop the way they work in order to achieve their new strategy - investing in people, technology and research to make life better for people affected by coeliac disease and ultimately find a cure.

Salary: circa £82,000-£87,000 per annum
Contract: 35 hours per week, Permanent
Hybrid: Office based in High Wycombe and you will be required to go to the office at least twice a week

Key duties and responsibilities will include:

• Work alongside the CEO and Senior Management Team (SMT) to develop and implement the Charity's strategy and business plans including setting and managing budgets, targets and outputs and reviewing progress against these.
• Develop and implement the strategy and business plans for Finance & Compliance and Central Operations (IT, HR, Facilities and Programme Office)
• Manage annual and 2-year strategic business planning to produce effective budgets and forecasts for approval by the Board of Trustees
• Lead the Programme Office that leads on standardised project tools, processes and operating practices, providing oversight of cross-functional activities and resource planning across the Charity
• Manage the implementation and maintenance of strong strategic and operational financial planning processes and controls to safeguard the Charity's finances
• Lead the Finance & Compliance and Central Operations teams to deliver against plans and work efficiently and effectively
• Oversee the development, recording, storage and updating of the Charity's Standard Operating Practices
• Develop relationships with relevant suppliers and lead on procurement, contract review and supplier cost effectiveness projects
• Lead the drive for cost efficiency throughout the Charity
• Understand the effects and implications of relevant government and Charity Commission policies, legislation and directives and develop effective strategies to integrate them within the Charity
• Ensure appropriate levels of insurances are in place to fully capture the needs of the Charity and reduce financial risk appropriately
• Provide the SMT, CEO and Trustees with regular and timely financial and operational reporting and insights that clearly identify opportunities and gaps and inform key decisions, planning processes and policies
• Work with Budget Holders to develop their financial understanding and ownership of individual budgets
• Oversee the effective management of financial resources to achieve the best possible ROI, delivering against the charity's objects
• Work with the Trustees to ensure the charity's investments are in line with the investment policies and ethos of the charity, and effectively deployed and properly managed
• Oversee the day-to-day financial and operational management of the Charity, including budgeting, monitoring, risk management and GDPR
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to internal and external HR resource
• Line manage, and work alongside, the HR Manager to ensure that relevant HR policies are in place and adhered to
• Provide leadership, guidance and advice on all HR matters including employment law issues
• Work with the HR Manager, CEO and SMT to strategically plan the HR resource requirements for each department and oversee the appointment of new staff
• Prepare salary forecasts to demonstrate affordability and sustainability of staffing structures required

Candidates applying for this role must have the following:

• Strong understanding of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements
• A recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Experience of working in the charity sector with a good understanding of the charities SORP
• Senior level financial leadership and operational management experience
• Experience preparing and presenting financial and management accounts and reports.
• Experience of operational delivery in Central Operations functions
• Working knowledge of best practice programme management
• Supportive leader able to develop staff competencies
• High levels of literacy and digitally savvy
• Motivated, co-operative team player

Candidates shortlisted for this role will be required to answer three detailed questions which will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your experience, skills and personality.

This role will be closing on 10th December, 2025
1st Stage interview 15th or 16th December 2025
2nd Stage interview in person 6th of 7th January, 2026

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background-e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.