Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

Falmouth University; Penryn; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering educational institution in Penryn seeks a Chief Finance Officer to lead financial strategy and operations. The ideal candidate will be a professionally qualified accountant with significant experience in financial leadership within large organizations. This high-impact role requires strong commercial acumen and the ability to drive transformation and change management. The position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape the financial future of a dynamic university.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary and benefits package

Supportive and inclusive culture

Opportunity to shape financial future

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial leadership within large, complex organisations.
• Proven ability to lead transformation, modernisation, and change management.
• Adaptable and forward-thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of financial strategy.
• Oversee financial operations, planning, and business intelligence.
• Drive revenue-generating initiatives and partnerships.

Skills

Financial leadership

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Change management

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

About The Role

Your New Company Recognised as a pioneering institution, at the forefront of the nexus between creativity and technology, Falmouth University's mission is to deliver exceptional higher education and research that fuels the future economy, while generating sustainable opportunities for all. With values rooted in creativity, achievement, respect and collaboration, Falmouth University has fostered a culture that is inclusive, innovative and commercially aware.

This is a high-impact leadership role reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive. As Chief Finance Officer, you will own the finance function and will:

• Lead the development and delivery of financial strategy aligned with university priorities
• Oversee financial operations, planning, and business intelligence, optimising performance
• Drive revenue-generating initiatives, investment activity, and external partnerships to enhance Falmouth's market position and financial sustainability
• Modernise financial systems and controls to enhance transparency and agility
• Shape the future operating model of the finance function, embedding innovation, digital transformation, and a culture of continuous improvement
• Provide strategic insight and partnership to senior leaders across the University, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking

About You

What You'll Need to Succeed

• You'll be a professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with:
• Significant experience in financial leadership within large, complex organisations
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to influence at executive level
• Proven ability to lead transformation, modernisation and change management
• Excellent communication, analytical and interpersonal skills
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to talent development, diversity, and sustainability
• You'll be adaptable, forward-thinking, and passionate about aligning financial strategy with institutional mission and values

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package
• A supportive, creative and inclusive culture
• A chance to shape the financial future of a bold, innovative university
• The opportunity to take a high profile role, working closely with the local Cornish economy and community

Falmouth University welcomes and encourages job applications from people of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those under-represented and/or marginalised, as it is important we have a diverse range of candidates to consider.