Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Employer Location Cornwall, England, Falmouth Salary £ Competitive Closing date 17 Oct 2025 View more categoriesView less categories Sector Salary band, Contract type Hours Where will they be working You need to or to save a job.
Job Details
Your new company
Hays Senior Finance are delighted to be partnering with Falmouth University, in the appointment of a strategic and commercially focused Chief Finance Officer.Recognised as a pioneering institution, at the forefront of the nexus between creativity and technology, Falmouth University's mission is to deliver exceptional higher education and research that fuels the future economy, while generating sustainable opportunities for all.
With values rooted in creativity, achievement, respect and collaboration, Falmouth University has fostered a culture that is inclusive, innovative and commercially aware.
Your new role
This is a high-impact leadership role reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive. As Chief Finance Officer, you will own the finance function and will :
1. Lead the development and delivery of financial strategy aligned with university priorities
2. Oversee financial operations, planning, and business intelligence, optimising performance
3. Drive revenue-generating initiatives, investment activity, and external partnerships to enhance Falmouth's market position and financial sustainability
4. Modernise financial systems and controls to enhance transparency and agility
5. Shape the future operating model of the finance function, embedding innovation, digital transformation, and a culture of continuous improvement.
6. Provide strategic insight and partnership to senior leaders across the University, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking
What you'll need to succeed
You'll be a professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with :
7. Significant experience in financial leadership within large, complex organisations
8. Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to influence at executive level
9. Proven ability to lead transformation, modernisation and change management
10. Excellent communication, analytical and interpersonal skills
11. A collaborative leadership style and commitment to talent development, diversity, and sustainability
12. You'll be adaptable, forward-thinking, and passionate about aligning financial strategy with institutional mission and values
What you'll get in return
13. Strategic and commercially focused leadership role with real influence
14. Scope to shape the financial future of a bold, innovative university
15. The opportunity to take a high profile role, working closely with the local Cornish economy and community
16. Highly competitive salary and benefits package
17. Supportive, creative and inclusive culture