Interim Chief Financial Officer

University of Strathclyde; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Strathclyde is seeking an Interim Chief Financial Officer for up to 12 months to provide strategic financial leadership and direction. Reporting to the Principal, you will shape financial strategy, governance and resource deployment across the institution.

You will lead Finance and Estates, drive budget planning and contribute to long-term financial planning in line with Strathclyde 2030, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder partnership and executive-level influence.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant with significant track record in senior finance leadership.
• Experience in strategic financial planning, governance and change management.
• Ability to influence at executive and board level; strong communication and relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the University’s financial strategy.
• Provide governance, risk management and accountability across financial operations.
• Lead key Professional Service Directorates (Finance and Estates) and ensure high-quality services.
• Oversee budget planning processes and development of long-term financial plans aligned to Strathclyde 2030.

Skills

Qualified accountant

Senior finance leadership

Strategic financial planning

Organisational leadership

Governance

Change management

Executive influence

Communication

Analytical skills

Relationship management

Job description

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Application Closing Date: 28/09/2026

About Strathclyde

Strathclyde was established as the UK's first technological university in 1964, with origins dating back to the founding of Anderson's Institution in 1796. For more than 230 years, we have remained true to our founding ethos as a place of useful learning.

Today, we are Scotland's third-largest university, with around 30,000 students and a global reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation. As a values-led institution, we are committed to delivering positive societal impact through useful learning, world-leading research and innovation, and strong partnerships with industry, government and communities. Through our strategic framework, Strathclyde 2030, we are shaping tomorrow's world by addressing global challenges and creating opportunities for future generations.

The Opportunity

The University is seeking to appoint an outstanding Interim Chief Financial Officer for a period of up to 12 months while a search is undertaken for a permanent appointment.

As a key member of the Executive Team, the Interim CFO will provide strategic financial leadership and direction to support the University's ambitions for sustainable growth and long-term success within an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

Reporting directly to the Principal, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of the University's financial strategy, ensuring the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance, risk management and accountability. You will provide expert advice to the Principal, University Court and Executive Team, supporting effective strategic decision-making, investment planning and the deployment of resources across the institution.

The role holds responsibility for the leadership of key Professional Service Directorates, currently including Finance and Estates, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services aligned with the University's strategic priorities.

Key priorities during the appointment will include leading the budget planning process and its delivery and supporting the development of long-term financial plans aligned to Strathclyde 2030.

About You

You will be a professionally qualified accountant with a significant track record of achievement in senior finance leadership roles within a large and complex organisation. You will bring extensive experience of strategic financial planning, organisational leadership, governance and change management, together with the ability to influence at executive and board level.

You will possess outstanding communication, analytical and relationship management skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. An engaging and collaborative leader, you will demonstrate sound judgement, political awareness and a commitment to the University's values.

Salary: Competitive Executive Package

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 5-Oct-2026. Please note these dates are indicative only and may be subject to change

Candidate Selection

For further information regarding this role please contact Gordon Scott, Chief People Officer [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution committed to equality of opportunity and celebrating the diversity of its staff and student community.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, women, LGBT+ individuals, disabled people, and candidates from lower socio-economic and care-experienced backgrounds.