Chief Financial Officer

University of Nottingham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead its financial services. This strategic leadership role requires a qualified finance professional with a proven record in financial governance and transformation. The successful candidate will influence the university's long-term sustainability and investment priorities while supporting a mission-driven environment and commitment to inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver financial transformation.
• Experience in complex, mission-driven organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial services team, ensuring robust financial planning.
• Shape the university's financial strategy and align resources.
• Underpin the university's ability to invest in research and teaching.

Skills

Financial governance

Investment planning

Risk management

Strategic thinking

Collaborative leadership

Education

Qualified senior finance professional

Job description

Overview

The University of Nottingham's vision is to be a truly global, comprehensive university that excels across geographical and disciplinary borders. A university where we embrace the opportunities presented by a changing world, and where ambitious people and a creative culture will enable us to change the world for the better.

As we continue to evolve in a rapidly changing world, we are seeking an experienced, strategic and versatile Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our senior leadership team and help shape the future of our University. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and as a key member of the University Executive Board (UEB), the CFO will provide strategic and operational leadership of the university's financial resources. This is a critical appointment at a time of transformation and opportunity, where your leadership will directly influence the university's long-term sustainability, investment priorities, and ability to deliver on its ambitious strategic goals.

You will lead the financial services team, ensuring robust financial planning, risk management, and compliance frameworks are in place. Leading the shaping the university's financial strategy, you will align resources with institutional priorities, and enable innovation and growth across our UK and international campuses. Your work will underpin the university's ability to invest in world-class research, outstanding teaching, and a vibrant student experience.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with a strong track record of financial leadership in complex, mission-driven organisations. You will bring a deep understanding of financial governance, investment planning, and risk management, alongside the ability to communicate financial insight with clarity and influence. With a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, you will inspire confidence and foster a culture of service excellence and innovation.

As a qualified senior finance professional, you will have significant experience leading high-performing teams and delivering financial transformation. You will demonstrate commercial acumen, resilience, and a commitment to our values (Inclusivity, Fairness, Ambition, Openness and Respect), and will be motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a university that is ambitious, globally connected, and committed to making a difference.

The University of Nottingham is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. We welcome applications from all communities and particularly encourage those from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial services team, ensuring robust financial planning, risk management, and compliance frameworks are in place.
• Shape the university's financial strategy, align resources with institutional priorities, and enable innovation and growth across UK and international campuses.
• Underpin the university's ability to invest in world-class research, outstanding teaching, and a vibrant student experience.

Qualifications

• Qualified senior finance professional with significant experience leading high-performing teams and delivering financial transformation.
• Strong track record in financial governance, investment planning, and risk management, with the ability to communicate financial insight with clarity and influence.
• Strategic thinker with experience in complex, mission-driven organisations and collaborative, inclusive leadership.
• Commitment to the university values: Inclusivity, Fairness, Ambition, Openness and Respect.

Other information

To learn more and apply for this post, visit the website of our recruitment partner Odgers. To learn more about the benefits of working with us, visit our benefits website.

Closing date: Monday 6 October 2025