Interim Chief Financial Officer

Gofractional; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Strathclyde is seeking to appoint an outstanding Interim Chief Financial Officer for up to 12 months while a permanent appointment is sought. The role is full-time (35 hours/week) and fixed-term.

Reporting to the Principal, the Interim CFO will provide strategic financial leadership, governance and risk management, supporting effective decision-making and the deployment of resources. You will lead budget planning and contribute to long-term financial plans aligned to

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
• Experience in large complex organisations is essential.
• Strong governance and risk management capabilities.
• Ability to influence at executive and board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of the university's financial strategy.
• Oversee budget planning and long-term financial planning.
• Provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders and Executive Team.
• Leadership of Finance and Estates and other directorates.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial governance

Change management

Board liaison

Education

Chartered Accountant

Tools

ERP systems

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

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.