Chief Finance & Operations Officer - High Wycombe

Charity People are delighted to be partnering with a leading health charity with a turnover of £4 million, based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. As their next Chief Finance & Operations Officer, you will play a pivotal role leading a large team (Finance, HR, Data, Facilities, IT and Programme) and in shaping the future of the organisation and delivering an ambitious new strategy working closely with an inspiring CEO, team and Board.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the Finance & Compliance functions as well and ensure strong financial governance, drive operational excellence, and help create an efficient, impactful, and strategically aligned organisation. If you enjoy leading transformation, strengthening systems and processes, and empowering teams to deliver their best, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference.

Salary: £85,000–£90,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, 35 hours

Hybrid: The appointed candidate will be office based in High Wycombe a minimum of 2 days a week (after an initial period of 3-4 days a week for the first 1-2 months)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on financial strategy, business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.
• Oversee HR, IT, Facilities, Compliance, and the Programme Office.
• Provide timely, insightful financial and operational reporting for the CEO, SMT, and Trustees.
• Manage strategic and operational planning cycles, ensuring high-quality delivery across functions.
• Lead risk management, internal audit development, and data protection compliance.
• Strengthen organisational systems, processes, SOPs, and cross-functional working.
• Drive cost efficiency and manage supplier relationships, procurement, and contracts.
• Provide strategic HR oversight, including people policies, recruitment planning, payroll, EVP development, and DEEI practice.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, CRM/database capability, and the tools staff need to work effectively.

We are looking for a collaborative, strategic leader who brings:

• A recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
• Senior financial and operational leadership experience within a charity.
• Strong understanding of Charity Commission requirements and SORP.
• Experience overseeing HR, IT, Facilities, or broader operations functions.
• Confidence preparing and presenting financial/management accounts.
• A supportive, empowering leadership style and ability to develop teams.
• Digital confidence, strong communication skills, and a solutions-focused mindset.

My client is not based close to any train station, therefore, my client will invite candidates who are willing and able to drive to the office, initially three to four days a week for two months and then twice a week thereafter.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to respond to three written questions to highlight their experience, approach, and leadership style.

Role will be closing on: 18th February, 2026

First stage interview via MSTeams: 25th February, 2026 starting 11.00am

Second stage in person: w/c 2nd March, 2026

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that deliberately champions equity, diversity and inclusion. We know charities thrive when inclusion is at the centre of decision-making. We proudly match organisations with talent based on skills and values, not background – because diverse teams deliver stronger results.