CFO

Aspen People; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the United Kingdom is searching for a Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic financial leadership at a prominent charity. The role demands significant experience in charity finance and governance, along with a collaborative leadership approach. The successful candidate will help drive the organisation's financial strategy and ensure sustainable growth. Competitive salary with hybrid working options available.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a CFO or senior finance leader.
• Experience in charity finance and governance.
• Lead and develop a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a financial strategy aligned with values.
• Drive value creation and commercial performance.
• Embed governance and compliance frameworks.

Skills

Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Experience in charity finance

Commercial insight

Team leadership

Education

Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Job description

Chief Financial Officer
£83,903 – £96,641 + 8% pension
Edinburgh / Hybrid

For more information please see our dedicated recruitment microsite https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/microsite/changeworks/

Changeworks is Scotland’s leading environmental charity and social enterprise, dedicated to helping people live and work more sustainably. For over 35 years, the organisation has delivered practical solutions that reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and improve lives. Through partnerships with government, local authorities, and communities, Changeworks supports Scotland’s transition to a low‑carbon future — combining innovation, collaboration, and integrity to create meaningful impact.

Changeworks’ work is underpinned by its core values of integrity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. These values shape every aspect of the organisation — from decision‑making and team collaboration to how it engages with partners and communities. Changeworks fosters a culture that is open, inclusive, and supportive, encouraging people to bring forward ideas, take initiative, and work together to deliver real environmental and social change.

The Role

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic financial leadership, commercial insight, and governance excellence across the Changeworks Group. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future — driving financial strategy, strengthening resilience, and supporting ambitious growth across both charitable and commercial operations.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, the CFO will:

• Lead the development and execution of a financial strategy aligned with Changeworks’ values and growth ambitions.
• Drive value creation and commercial performance across charitable and subsidiary activities.
• Embed robust governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks across all group entities.
• Build and lead a high‑performing finance team that reflects Changeworks’ collaborative and values‑driven culture.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive, Board, and subsidiary boards, representing Changeworks with integrity and professionalism to external partners and stakeholders.

This is a hands‑on and strategically influential position, balancing oversight with active engagement across financial operations, commercial ventures, and team development. The role offers an opportunity to shape Changeworks’ long‑term impact and support its aim to make homes warmer, greener, and more affordable.

The Person

Changeworks is seeking an experienced and values‑driven financial leader who combines commercial acumen with a strong commitment to social and environmental impact. The successful candidate will bring:

• A proven track record as a CFO or senior finance leader within a growth‑oriented or multi‑entity organisation.
• Strong experience in charity finance and governance, ideally within organisations combining charitable and commercial activity.
• Significant commercial insight, with expertise in investment appraisal, capital structuring, and value creation.
• Demonstrable experience of strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and board engagement.
• A leadership approach that reflects Changeworks’ culture — inclusive, collaborative, and focused on empowering others.
• Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with substantial post‑qualification experience.

The Opportunity

This appointment offers a rare opportunity to join a respected, values‑led organisation at a pivotal moment in its development. The CFO will play a central role in enabling innovation, ensuring financial sustainability, and guiding the next stage of Changeworks’ growth.

Joining a talented and passionate team, the successful candidate will help realise Changeworks’ vision: a world where everyone can live and work in a warm, efficient, and low‑carbon home.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Lauryn Pringle, Harry Thomson or Debbie Shields at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 26th November 2025