Interim Chief Financial Officer

Universitychairs; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Strathclyde is seeking an Interim Chief Financial Officer for up to 12 months to provide strategic financial leadership across the University. The role reports to the Principal and leads Finance and Estates, with a focus on sustainable growth and robust governance.

You will drive budget planning, develop long-term financial plans aligned to Strathclyde 2030, and influence executive decision-making through expert financial stewardship and effective stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
• Experience in strategic financial planning and governance.
• Ability to influence at executive/board level.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Finance and Estates directorates to deliver services.
• Develop and deliver the University’s financial strategy.
• Lead budget planning and long-term financial planning.
• Provide strategic financial leadership to support growth.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Governance

Change management

Executive communication

Education

Chartered accountant

Job description

Interim Chief Financial Officer (849352)
Salary: Competitive Executive Package
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.

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.