Director of Finance and Operations

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Officer

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operation Officer (PT)

HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - home and minimum 2 days in the office (Amersham,
Buckinghamshire)

SALARY: circa £65,000 pa

PENSION: 7% non-contributory

ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays

OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist nurses and life-changing support
for seriously ill children.

Across the UK, over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses care for more than 40,000 children living with
complex, lifelong conditions.

For many families, the road to diagnosis is complex and uncertain, juggling hospital visits,
managing medications, and navigating treatments and tests. They are often under the care of
multiple specialists, across different hospitals.

Roald Dahl Nurses join families on this journey. They provide coordination of care, emotional
support, and a trusted, familiar presence both in hospital and at home. They help families feel
less overwhelmed and isolated and more in control.

Our vision is that every seriously ill child deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse and fundraising is core to
achieving this.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1137409), Scotland (SC054293). A company
limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (7340518). Registered address: 17, Chiltern Business Centre, 63 - 65
Woodside Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6AA. Roald Dahl is a registered trademark of The Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd.

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious
plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along
with the CEO, Director of Development, Director or Programmes and Director of Fundraising and
Communications. The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational
effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates
efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements.

This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is
critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term
sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

•  Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting,

and forecasting.

•  Develop and manage the organisation’s annual operating and capital budgets in

collaboration with senior leadership.

•  Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and

year-end close.

•  Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment

Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.

•  Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.

•  Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit

accounting standards.

•

Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.

•  Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment

strategy.

•  Support the Fundraising team in submitting income application, financial reporting, and

compliance requirements.

Operations & Organisational Management

•  Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal

controls.

•

Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations,
and administration.

•  Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory,

and contractual obligations).

•  Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and

reliability.

•  Ensure strong data management, financial systems, and operational reporting tools are in

place.

Human Resources & Administration

•  Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee policies, and

compliance with employment laws.

•  Partner with leadership on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and

organisational design.

•  Support performance management systems and contribute to a positive, inclusive

organisational culture.

•  Ensure onboarding, offboarding, and personnel record management processes are

effective and compliant.

Leadership & Strategy

•  As a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy

and decision-making.

•  Advise the SLT and Board on financial and operational implications of strategic initiatives.

•  Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.

•

Lead and mentor finance and operations staff, fostering professional development and
accountability.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1137409), Scotland (SC054293). A company
limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (7340518). Registered address: 17, Chiltern Business Centre, 63 - 65
Woodside Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6AA. Roald Dahl is a registered trademark of The Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd.

Person Specification

Attribute

1. Knowledge:

Good understanding of the charity sector across the UK, including
regulatory and governance requirements

Strong understanding of financial management, fund accounting,
budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls in a charitable or
comparable organisation

Ability to think at a strategic and operational business level, including
organisational planning, monitoring, evaluation, and risk management

Knowledge of effective operational systems, policies, and processes that
support organisational sustainability and growth

7–10 years of progressive experience in finance and operations,
preferably in the nonprofit sector

Experience in the management and accounting of significant endowments

Good working knowledge of Xero accounting software

Member of professional accounting organisation eg ICAEW, CIMA…

2. Skills

Strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to
translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences

Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to respect confidentiality when handling
sensitive financial, operational, and people matters

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to
present clearly to senior leadership, trustees, and external stakeholders

High level of organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet
deadlines under pressure

Experience of leading HR or administrative functions in a growing
organisation

Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels and from a
wide range of backgrounds

3. Personal Qualities

Proactive, enthusiastic and willing to contribute ideas

Strong organisational and time management skills, able to manage
multiple projects and deadlines

A collaborative team player who enjoys working cross-functionally

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

E

E

E

E

E

D

D

D

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills

Flexible and adaptable, comfortable responding to changing priorities

Demonstrated experience with nonprofit financial management, fund
accounting, budgeting, and audits.

E

E

D

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to
recruitment@roalddahlcharity.org.  The deadline for applications is Thursday, 12th February
2026.  Formal interviews will be held week commencing 23rd February and week commencing
2nd March. Informal conversations will take place as applications are submitted.

Other Information

This job description helps the post holder to understand their main duties. It is not exhaustive, and
the role’s duties may change from time to time, in discussion with the post holder and consistent
with the level of responsibility appropriate to the grade of the post.

•  Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting

the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Confirmation of appointment
will be subject to a satisfactory standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

•  The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probation period.
•  Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is committed to achieving the highest

standards of service and employment practice. We give equal opportunity to everyone,
regardless of background. While our offices are not currently accessible for people with
significant mobility difficulties, we will make all reasonable adjustments to allow the most
suitable candidate to perform their role effectively.
•  The post holder will have the right to work in the UK.
•  The post holder will be required to travel within the UK, for example to attend meetings.
•  The post holder may also be required to work occasional evenings and

weekend, for example, to support fundraising events.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1137409), Scotland (SC054293). A company
limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (7340518). Registered address: 17, Chiltern Business Centre, 63 - 65
Woodside Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6AA. Roald Dahl is a registered trademark of The Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd.