Chief Finance and Operations Officer

ClientEarth is partnering with Altum Consulting in its search for a new Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO). ClientEarth is an innovative legal and environmental charity that uses the power of the law to fight against climate change and protect nature and the environment.

Over the last few years, ClientEarth has experienced a period of growth, strategy refresh and organisational development. There is a strong finance team in place and the previous Chief Finance Officer position has now been expanded to include wider operations.

Reporting directly to the CEO, Laura Clarke this critical role is responsible for leading ClientEarth s international finance and operations teams, including Facilities, Procurement, IT, and Security a global team, currently encompassing 55 colleagues. The role will work closely with the Board of Trustees, key funders, and the Director of Development, making significant contributions to organisational and programmatic strategy.

This role will offer a salary starting from £118,750 pa (London) / €125.240,69 pa gross / €8.997,18 pm gross (Brussels) (ClientEarth Executive Team band) plus benefits, including flexible working (a hybrid model combining home and office working), and a pension contribution with additional option of salary sacrifice.

Key duties will include:

• Strategic leadership of all financial and operational matters, ensuring the team s objectives are aligned with organisational goals.
• Supporting the CEO in shaping the organisational business model and scaling global impact.
• Providing strategic financial planning to ensure resources meet desired impacts, including developing KPIs to monitor global financial strategy.
• Oversight of operational budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
• Ensuring financial compliance with UK Charity Commission regulations and across all international legal entities.
• Management of grant funding, including budgeting, tracking, reporting, and compliance with donor requirements.
• Leading the development and integration of financial and operational systems, streamlining processes, and driving efficiency.
• Overseeing investment management, treasury, and currency strategies to ensure financial resilience.
• Managing organisational risks and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across all locations.
• Leading, empowering, and motivating the Finance and Operations teams, driving a collaborative and business-partnering approach.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a qualified accountant (e.g., ACA/FCA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally in an INGO or multinational organisation.
• Have expertise in finance, planning, and budgetary control in a complex, geographically diverse organisation.
• Possess strategic experience overseeing operations, including IT, facilities management, procurement, security, and risk management.
• Demonstrate knowledge of charity accounting regulations and managing financial controls and compliance.
• Have a proven track record of managing grant funding, sub-granting, and external partner relationships.
• Be experienced in change management, developing systems, processes, and culture for a global organisation.
• Exhibit excellent influencing, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders,
• Align strongly with ClientEarth s mission to create systemic change for a healthier planet.
• Have a strong alignment with ClientEarth s values and commitment to our equity, diversity and inclusion strategy objectives,

To apply for this position or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Altum today. Clicking "apply" on this page will direct you to Altum's website where you can find further contact information.

Altum Consulting will be conducting first-stage interviews up until Friday, February 28th.

This position can be based in either the London or Brussels office (expectation of visible leadership in the office, 2-3 days per week).

One legal victory can change the system. Enough of them can change the future. At ClientEarth, we use the law to protect life on Earth. Learn more here.

Both Altum Group and ClientEarth value diversity and inclusion and the benefits these bring. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly from under-represented groups.

Please note: ClientEarth is only able to employ those with the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK or Belgium.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or services to third parties.