Overview The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a pivotal member of Royal Holloway’s Executive Board and Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
This role combines strategic vision with operational excellence to ensure the University’s financial sustainability and resilience in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
Responsibilities Lead the Finance Division and act as the University’s principal financial advisor, shaping long-term financial strategy and enabling transformation through robust financial planning.
Work in close partnership with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Strategy, Planning and Resources to ensure financial frameworks underpin planning and change, supporting RH2030s priorities.
Collaborate to integrate financial insight into the annual planning round and strategic transformation programme, fostering shared accountability.
Enable growth and innovation with the Chief Operating Officer, including strategies for income diversification and supporting commercial development.
Ensure rigorous financial appraisal of new ventures and capital investments; champion digitisation and simplification of financial systems to drive transparency, efficiency, and agility.
Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations including accurate and timely reporting to the Office for Students (OfS); maintain robust internal controls and oversee audit processes.
Engage with the Council and Finance, Audit and Risk Committees; advise on financial risk and compliance matters.
Promote an inclusive, high-performance culture within Finance and across the University; embed values-led leadership and financial literacy.
Requirements / Qualifications Experience at senior financial leadership within a complex organisation, preferably in higher education or public sector.
Strong strategic and financial planning capabilities; track record of driving transformation and financial sustainability.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to influence at executive and Council levels.
Commitment to values-led leadership and inclusive culture.
What we offer / How to apply Location: Egham
Salary: Competitive
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: Friday 06 March 2026 (23:59)
Reference: 0226-059
We have engaged the services of Odgers. Applications should be sent through the Odgers opportunities page: https://www.odgers.com/en-gb/opportunities/?r=0#AssignDetail.aspx?guid=95126
For a detailed conversation about this opportunity, please contact: Tim Roberts, tim.roberts@odgers.com, 020 7529 6308.
Interviews Preliminary interviews with Odgers will take place w/c 6 April, 13 April and 20 April 2026.
Virtual informal conversations with Royal Holloway will take place on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
Stakeholder meetings at the University in Egham will take place on Monday 18 May 2026.
Final panel interviews at the University in Egham will take place on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
Further details: Candidate Brief Email details to a friend
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