Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

Falmouth Careers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovative university in the UK seeks a Chief Finance Officer to drive the financial strategy. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial leadership. Responsibilities include overseeing financial operations, optimizing performance, and enhancing market position. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and the chance to influence the university's future direction.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Benefits package

Supportive and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial leadership within large organizations.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Proven ability to lead transformation and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of financial strategy aligned with university priorities.
• Oversee financial operations and optimize performance.
• Drive revenue-generating initiatives and enhance financial sustainability.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Professional accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

About The Role

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.

Your New Role

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

What You Need to Do Now

Find out more about Falmouth University and the role on this dedicated website.

Hays Senior Finance are partnering with Falmouth University, in the appointment of a strategic and commercially focused Chief Finance Officer.

Apply via Hays or contact Jonathan Green on 01392 348 871 for an informal conversation about the role.

The closing date for this position is Wednesday 8 October 2025.

About Us

What You\'ll Get in Return

• A strategic and commercially focused leadership role with real influence
• 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
• Highly competitive salary and benefits package
• A supportive, creative and inclusive culture

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.