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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a world-renowned charitable foundation.
- Company: Wellcome, a leading charitable foundation dedicated to advancing health and science.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, commitment to diversity, and a chance to make a global impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven organisation and shape the future of health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Extensive finance leadership experience and strong strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We have appointed the executive search firm Odgers to lead the search for the Chief Finance Officer. For more information and to apply please follow this link. Please note any application submitted directly to Wellcome may not be considered.
About us
Wellcome is one of the world's leading charitable foundations, dedicated to supporting science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. The organisation has a long history of enabling breakthroughs that transform our current understanding of life, health, and wellbeing. Wellcome is financially and politically independent, funding all its mission work from returns generated by its financial investment portfolio, valued at £39.9bn as of 30 September 2025. In 2024/25, the organisation invested £1.9bn into mission‑related research, partnerships, and programmes worldwide, and remains committed to spending £16bn between 2022 and 2032 to advance its mission. This independence allows Wellcome to take informed risks, pursue long‑term goals and tackle complex challenges beyond the remit of governments and traditional funders.
The Chief Finance Officer Opportunity
The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a crucial role in this multifaceted and highly complex organisation, requiring leadership through influence, consensus‑building and strong governance. The CFO will be working alongside leaders recognised globally for their contributions to science, policy, global health and investment and will participate in a wide range of discussions relating to operational performance, mission investment decisions, investment performance and organisational effectiveness. The CFO will be a major driver, together with the COO, of operational efficiency, resource optimisation and disciplined budgeting.
The Finance function has recently undertaken a significant implementation of an ERP system, Oracle Fusion, which is to conduct the majority of Wellcome's financial transactions. Wellcome is prioritising stronger controls and improved reporting to ensure it realises the full benefits of its systems integration. A defining part of the role is navigating Wellcome's different types of financial activity, ensuring strong alignment, robust cashflow forecasting, long‑term financial modelling and liquidity oversight, and effective provision of financial insight that underpins investment decisions.
Wellcome is seeking a senior finance leader who will play a collaborative role in supporting the organisation's long‑term mission, with an emphasis on contribution, judgement, and the ability to shape thinking through providing clear financial insights and expertise to world‑leading experts in science and health. The right individual will bring extensive finance leadership experience aligned to Wellcome's scale and complexity, a proven track record in a complex, high‑performing organisation, and the ability to act as an agent of change who can anticipate organisation needs and educate the organisation on future requirements.
You will demonstrate excellent strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and be credible and persuasive at all levels, with high intellect, high emotional intelligence, strong self‑awareness and a growth mindset. Pragmatic, solutions‑focused, resilient, collaborative and comfortable with ambiguity, you will operate at pace and be aligned with Wellcome's values, supporting decisions that strengthen impact, sustainability and organisational effectiveness over time.
Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility.
Chief Finance Officer in London employer: WELLCOME TRUST
Contact Detail:
WELLCOME TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for CFO roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wellcome's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of financial leadership and strategic thinking. Tailor your responses to highlight your ability to drive operational efficiency and resource optimisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex financial challenges in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you've influenced change in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Wellcome and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CFO role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance leadership and how it aligns with Wellcome's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking skills and how you've successfully navigated complex financial landscapes in the past. We love candidates who can think ahead and provide clear financial insights.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for finance and how it connects to Wellcome's mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through the link provided on our website. This ensures that your application is considered properly. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at WELLCOME TRUST
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Finance Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how they relate to Wellcome's mission and investment strategies. Show that you understand the intricacies of cash flow forecasting and long-term financial modelling.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership through influence and consensus-building. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Be ready to discuss how you can foster collaboration and drive operational efficiency at Wellcome.
✨Align with Wellcome's Values
Familiarise yourself with Wellcome’s mission and values. During the interview, articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding diversity and inclusion. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about past challenges you've faced in finance leadership and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.