Interim Director of Finance and Operations

Interim Director of Finance & Operations - 6 months contract

September 2026 Start | 4 Days per Week | £75,000-£80,000 FTE (£60,000-£64,000 Pro Rata) | High Wycombe & Hybrid Working

Charity People are delighted to be partnering with a respected and impactful charity with an annual income of approximately £4.5 million to recruit an Interim Director of Finance & Operations.

This is a pivotal senior leadership opportunity for an experienced finance and operations professional who is passionate about supporting organisational effectiveness and enabling impactful charitable work. Reporting directly to the Interim CEO and working closely with Trustees and senior colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership across Finance, HR, IT, Facilities, Data & Insights, Compliance and Programme Support.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for ensuring the organisation operates with strong financial stewardship, effective governance, robust risk management and high-quality operational support. You will play a vital role in shaping organisational priorities, supporting informed decision-making and creating the conditions that enable colleagues and services to thrive.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a values-driven organisation where you can make a significant contribution while leading a broad and varied portfolio of central services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial management across the organisation.
• Deliver insightful financial and operational reporting to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board, supporting effective decision-making and organisational performance.
• Lead and develop the Finance, HR, IT, Facilities, Data & Insights, Compliance and Programme Support functions, ensuring effective delivery against organisational priorities.
• Oversee annual business planning, performance monitoring and resource planning processes, ensuring organisational objectives are effectively translated into operational delivery.
• Support budget holders to strengthen financial understanding, accountability and ownership across the organisation.
• Lead organisational risk management, maintaining effective controls and ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, SORP, data protection legislation and other relevant regulatory frameworks
• Lead the organisation's internal audit approach and oversee external audit and statutory reporting processes.
• Provide strategic oversight of HR, workforce planning, people development and organisational culture, helping to create an inclusive and high-performing working environment.
• Oversee IT, systems, data and supplier relationships, ensuring the organisation has the infrastructure and support required to operate effectively and efficiently.
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, policies and operational processes, ensuring services remain effective, efficient and aligned to organisational needs.
• Lead procurement and contract management activities, ensuring value for money and strong commercial oversight.

About You

We are seeking a collaborative and commercially minded leader (with strong charity / NFP experience) who combines strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.

You will bring:

• A recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
• Significant senior-level finance leadership experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of charity finance, governance, Charity Commission requirements and the Charities SORP framework.
• Experience leading finance alongside broader central services functions, including HR, IT, Facilities, Compliance and Operations.
• Experience working closely with Boards, Trustees and senior leadership teams.
• Strong financial planning, reporting and analytical capability.
• The ability to balance strategic oversight with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• A supportive leadership style with a track record of developing teams and building organisational capability.

What's on Offer?

• A highly influential Senior Leadership Team role within a respected and purpose-driven organisation.
• The opportunity to work closely with the CEO, Board and senior colleagues.
• A broad and rewarding portfolio spanning finance, operations, governance and corporate services.
• A flexible 4-day working week.
• Hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in the High Wycombe office.
• The opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact from September 2026.

Contract Details

Salary: £75,000-£80,000 FTE (£60,000-£64,000 pro rata)
Contract: 6-month fixed-term contract, 28 hours per week across 4 days
Start Date: ASAP (September 2026)
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Office attendance required 1-2 days per week.

How to Apply

Due to the immediate nature of this appointment, applications will close on 1 September 2026, with interviews taking place shortly thereafter.

Candidates who are available at short notice and able to commence the assignment in September 2026 are particularly encouraged to apply.

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.