ASN-94418 - Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

University of Staffordshire Business Engagement; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is looking for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their Executive Team. The CFO will shape the financial strategy, drive performance, and work closely with stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability. The ideal candidate should have significant leadership experience and a track record in financial stewardship. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead in a dynamic environment committed to social good.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience from a large complex organization.
• Strong track record of financial stewardship and strategic planning.
• Ability to adapt quickly and lead with purpose.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the financial strategy and five-year plan.
• Drive performance and ensure annual surpluses.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders.

Job description

Overview

Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Stoke Campus

Release Date: Thursday 04 September 2025

Closing Date: Friday 03 October 2025

Reference: ASN-94418

About the University

The University of Staffordshire is a bold, innovative and resilient institution with a proud heritage and a clear ambition: to be the UK’s leading modern university. With campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, London, and a higher education centre in Lichfield, we serve a global network of over 20,000 students. Our rebrand in 2024 marked a new chapter — one that celebrates diversity, opportunity and inclusivity, and reflects our commitment to transforming lives, places and society.

Role and Responsibilities

We are seeking to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our financial strategy and five-year plan, whilst also leading our Commercial function, and potentially the Infrastructure function, dependent upon experience. The CFO will be a key voice on the University Executive Team, the main decision-making body of the University.

This is a strategically important role at the heart of a financially sustainable university. The CFO will drive performance and effectiveness, ensuring we continue to deliver annual surpluses and invest in the future. The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience from a large complex organisation and will have a strong track record of financial stewardship, strategic planning, and delivering transformational projects.

We are looking for a leader who is ambitious, innovative and collaborative - someone who can challenge and support the Executive Team and University Executive Board, inspire colleagues across the University, and build strong relationships with external stakeholders. Experience in higher education is welcome but not essential; what matters most is the ability to adapt quickly, lead with purpose, and deliver impact.

Application Process

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a university that is a catalyst for change and a force for social good. If you share our values and vision, and have the experience and drive to lead in this critical role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit: www.odgers.com/94418

Applications are invited by close of business on Friday 3rd October 2025

How to Apply and Contact

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