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.
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.
Salary: circa £82,000-£87,000 per annum
Contract: 35 hours per week, Permanent
Hybrid: Office based in High Wycombe; required to go to the office at least twice a week
Key duties and responsibilities
* Work alongside the CEO and Senior Management Team 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 implements 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 insurance are in place to fully capture the needs of the Charity and reduce financial risk.
* Provide the Senior Management Team, 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 objectives.
* Work with the Trustees to ensure the Charity's investments are in line with the investment policies and ethos of the charity, and are 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 resources.
* 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 Senior Management Team 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.
Candidate requirements
* 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.
* A supportive leader able to develop staff competencies.
* High levels of literacy and digitally savvy.
* Motivated, co‑operative team player.
This role will close on 10th December 2025.
1st Stage interview: 15th or 16th December 2025
2nd Stage interview in person: 6th or 7th January 2026
We are a forward‑thinking, inclusive organisation that actively promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
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