Director of Finance

Odgers; Leeds; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeds Beckett University in Leeds invites applications for an outstanding finance leader to join the University Executive Team as Director of Finance. You will provide strategic financial leadership across the institution, ensuring resilience, sustainability and long-term ambition delivery.

You will head Financial Services, oversee financial strategy, planning, reporting, treasury, procurement, taxation, regulatory compliance and financial control, and advise governors on opportunities and risks

Job description

Leeds Beckett is a modern, professional university with a dedicated, diverse community.. Our ambition is to be recognised globally for the positive differences we make as an inclusive anchor institution for all in our city and region; and as an outstanding university supporting our diverse student community to achieve excellent outcomes.

We are a community of around 23,000 students and over 2,400 staff.

Our ambitious 2026-2031 strategic framework is centred on key themes of Excellent Academic Outcomes (Every Student Succeeds and World Class Impactful Research), Team LBU and Sustainable Resources, underpinned by our anchor ambitions.

We have a strong sense of momentum and collective purpose as we build cultural and financial resilience in a challenging sector environment. Significant groundwork has been undertaken to reshape expenditure and strengthen forecasting, placing the University in a strong position to invest strategically in its future.

We now seek an outstanding financial leader to join the University Executive Team as Director of Finance.

You will provide strategic financial leadership across the institution, ensuring the University remains financially resilient, sustainable and well-positioned to deliver its long-term ambitions. As a member of the University Executive Team, you will contribute fully to institutional strategy, business planning and decision-making, helping shape the future direction of the University.

You will lead the University's Financial Services function, with responsibility for financial strategy, planning, reporting, treasury, procurement, taxation, insurance, regulatory compliance and financial control. Advising senior colleagues and governors on opportunities, risks and investment decisions, you will ensure that the University has the insight, systems and financial discipline required to support effective decision-making and long-term sustainability.

We are seeking an exceptional finance professional with a track record of leadership within a large and complex organisation. You will bring broad financial expertise, strong commercial judgement and the credibility to influence at the most senior levels. You will combine strategic thinking with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, together with a commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for students, staff and partners.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026.