Finance Director

Finance Director

The Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games and Youth Games are about more than sport. In Birmingham 2022 there were more medals available to women than men, and The Games set new benchmarks in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, leaving lasting legacies for the people and economies in the regions that host them. Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, the Commonwealth Games sees para-sport and non-disabled sport running simultaneously. The Birmingham Games delivered the largest integrated para-sports programme of any Games to date with 59 medal events across eight para sports and reinforced the values of inclusivity across the “friendly” Games culture.

Glasgow is now confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23rd July – 2nd August. Up to 3,000 athletes from 71 global and diverse teams will take part across an integrated 10 sport and para-programme, at world class, prominent venues across the city. Building on its reputation from hosting the games in 2014, Glasgow will once again deliver an inspirational and memorable event, celebrating sport, culture and community.

Commonwealth Games England (CGE)

CGE leads and manages the participation of Team England at the Commonwealth Games, and works closely with each sport’s National Governing Body (NGB), our funding partner Sport England (SE), the Games’ Organising Company, Commonwealth Sport (CS), and corporate partners. We help deliver excellent performance environments; represent England effectively within CS; and raise the profile and reinforce the value, reputation, and future of this great sporting spectacle.

CGE recognises and embraces the diversity of England and celebrates the many benefits it offers us as a nation and organisation. We are committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our policies, processes, procedures, practices, and people development.

Job Purpose

The purpose of the role is to ensure that CGE’s finances and risks are managed effectively, in the lead up to the Glasgow 2026 Games, and in the long-term by developing the financial plans and funding submission for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The role is also responsible for all areas of Sport England governance and assurance to ensure that CGE is a model of best practice and fully compliant with the Code for Sports Governance.

Principal responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of CGE’s financial management, working closely with the Audit and Risk Committee. Line management and development of CGE’s Finance Manager to ensure effectiveness of CGE’s day-to-day financial processes & policies
• Ensure adherence to the financial budgets of CGE, in particular in the lead up to and during Glasgow 2026 Games, ensuring that they are monitored appropriately, and risks and opportunities tracked and communicated
• Responsibility for leading on the development of CGE’s long-term financial plan, including the high-level budget for the 2030 Games cycle. This will include development of the budgets and funding proposal for the 2030 Sport England funding bid
• Lead on Sport England’s Assurance process and all areas of the Governance Code for Sport. This will include preparation and management of any external audit review requested by Sport England post Glasgow 2026
• Lead on the discussions with HMRC to establish a clear position around CGE’s VAT recoverability
• Lead on the relationship with CGE’s insurance broker, ensuring that appropriate insurance cover is in place against organisational and Games risks
• Review CGE’s monthly payroll, supported by outsourced HR support and payroll provider
• Monitor and report to Board by the means of the Organisational Health Dashboard
• Lead on the review of all CGE’s suppliers post-Glasgow 2026 to ensure that CGE is setup for future success
• Support on the finance and governance development of the Team England Trust as directed by the CEO, including ensuring that all Charities Commission requirements are met
• Act as Company Secretary for CGE, ensuring all statutory filings are completed
• Assist the CEO with legal contract reviews, and engagement with CGE’s legal partner
• Complete additional Corporate Service responsibilities as required by the CEO

Role Details

• Duration: The role is for a 12-month fixed term contract, ending 31st December
• Location: Your normal place of work will either be at the Commonwealth Games office in London or at home. There is currently a requirement for staff to be in the office 2 x week. Please note, the time in the London office may increase nearer games time.

Person Specification

• Experience / Knowledge
  • A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with a proven ability to oversee finances effectively (Essential)
  • A track record of leading in senior management positions, including previous experience of working at a senior level in similar sized organisation (Essential)
  • Passion and understanding of international sport / events, and the landscape of sport in England (Desirable)
• Skills
  • Highly organised with strong administrative and planning skills (Essential)
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and lead projects through to successful completion (Essential)
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information into clear, concise statements and presentations (Essential)
  • Excellent attention to detail combined with a continuous improvement mindset (Essential)
• Behaviours / Competencies
  • Confident and comfortable working in a team or in an individual environment (Essential)
  • Has a ‘can do’ attitude and is solution focused (Essential)

Application Process

To apply, click on the 'Apply' button to the right of this page

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd December 2025.

Interviews will be held in person at CGE’s offices in Vauxhall, London on Thursday 11th December PM (1st round) and Monday 15th December AM (2nd round). CGE is looking for candidates to start in early January.

Equal Opportunities Policy

Commonwealth Games England (CGE) is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees. This includes the recruitment, selection, training, work conditions and career management/promotion of employees.

Commonwealth Games England opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status and civil partnership, gender reassignment, religion or belief, and disability and is committed to eliminating discrimination and harassment in the workplace. CGE is Disability Confident. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and can provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.