Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Are you a charity finance leader looking to join an organisation that makes a real difference to people's wellbeing? Want to use your financial expertise alongside broad operational skills? Want to make a step-change, both personally and professionally? 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 annumContract: 35 hours per week, PermanentHybrid: 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 TrusteesLead the Programme Office that leads on standardised project tools, processes and operating practices, providing oversight of cross-functional activities and resource planning across the CharityManage the implementation and maintenance of strong strategic and operational financial planning processes and controls to safeguard the Charity's financesLead the Finance & Compliance and Central Operations teams to deliver against plans and work efficiently and effectivelyOversee the development, recording, storage and updating of the Charity's Standard Operating PracticesDevelop relationships with relevant suppliers and lead on procurement, contract review and supplier cost effectiveness projectsLead the drive for cost efficiency throughout the CharityUnderstand the effects and implications of relevant government and Charity Commission policies, legislation and directives and develop effective strategies to integrate them within the CharityEnsure appropriate levels of insurances are in place to fully capture the needs of the Charity and reduce financial risk appropriatelyProvide 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 policiesWork with Budget Holders to develop their financial understanding and ownership of individual budgetsOversee the effective management of financial resources to achieve the best possible ROI, delivering against the charity's objectsWork 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 managedOversee the day-to-day financial and operational management of the Charity, including budgeting, monitoring, risk management and GDPRProvide strategic oversight and guidance to internal and external HR resourceLine manage, and work alongside, the HR Manager to ensure that relevant HR policies are in place and adhered toProvide leadership, guidance and advice on all HR matters including employment law issuesWork with the HR Manager, CEO and SMT to strategically plan the HR resource requirements for each department and oversee the appointment of new staffPrepare salary forecasts to demonstrate affordability and sustainability of staffing structures requiredLead the implementation of other HR processes as necessary eg payrollManage the professional development, appraisal and training processes for the CharityWork with the CEO and SMT to develop and implement the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) for the CharityWork with the HR Manager and SMT to ensure that appropriate Diversity, Equality Equity and Inclusion (DEEI) policies and practices are in place, effectively implemented and monitored for the charityOversee the IT set up and training of staff to provide appropriate tools to work effectivelyOversee the Charity's CRM and database requirement(s) to ensure it enables optimal financial and operational insight, and automation to support the strategic needs of the CharityLead the Risk Management process and Risk Register updates across the organisation with the support of the SMT and CEOLead on Data Protection for the Charity and manage the third party Data Protection Office/r to ensure compliance and reduce risk of data breachesDesign, develop and manage the Charity's internal audit approach with the support of SMT Candidates applying for this role must have the following:Strong understanding of charity governance and Charity Commission requirementsA recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)Experience of working in the charity sector with a good understanding of the charities SORPSenior level financial leadership and operational management experienceExperience preparing and presenting financial and management accounts and reports.Experience of operational delivery in Central Operations functionsWorking knowledge of best practice programme managementSupportive leader able to develop staff competenciesHigh levels of literacy and digitally savvyMotivated, 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, 20251st Stage interview 15th or 16th December 20252nd 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.