Role Description
Responsible to:
- Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive
Functional relationships with:
- University Senior Colleagues
- Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) Colleagues
Job Purpose
The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing the financial strategy, management, and sustainability of Falmouth University. The CFO will ensure the institution’s financial health, support strategic initiatives, and contribute to the overall cultural mission, vision and values of providing high-quality education and research. Additionally, the CFO will play a crucial role in steering Falmouth’s business success by optimising financial performance and supporting entrepreneurial, investment and commercial activities.
Key areas of responsibility
- Financial Strategy & Planning. Develop and implement financial strategies to support Falmouth’s strategic goals. Lead the annual budgeting process, and longer-term financial strategies ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Provide financial forecasts and analysis to inform decision-making. Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue generation and cost saving controls.
- Financial Management and Direction. Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, procurement and treasury. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements. Manage Falmouth’s investment portfolio and endowment funds. Optimise financial performance through effective resource allocation and cost management.
- Planning and Business Intelligence. Provide strategic oversight of Planning and Business Intelligence Services, focusing on data quality, regulatory compliance, and strategic alignment. Ensure collaboration with other departments to align with the university’s financial and strategic goals. Support the Director of Planning and Business Intelligence in developing and implementing innovative data management and business intelligence strategies that contribute to the university’s mission, vision, and values.
- Leadership and Development. Inspire, lead and mentor the finance team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Support professional development opportunities for finance staff. Contribute to Falmouth’s leadership team, providing financial insights and strategic advice. Encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within the finance team, and other related teams.
- Business Development. Contribute to the development and execution of business strategies that enhance Falmouth’s market position. Support the creation and growth of revenue-generating programmes and services. Collaborate with external partners to explore new business opportunities and ventures. Monitor industry trends and best practices to ensure Falmouth remains competitive and financially robust.
- Modern Financial Controls. Implement and maintain modern financial control systems to enhance transparency and efficiency. Promote data-driven decision making through real time financial reporting and analytics. Foster and embed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in financial practices.
- Risk Management. Identify and mitigate financial risks. Develop and maintain robust internal controls and financial policies. Ensure Falmouth’s financial practices adhere to ethical standards and best practices.
- Regulatory Compliance. Ensure Falmouth complies with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements. Stay updated on changes in financial legislation and regulations affecting the higher education sector. Liaise with regulatory bodies and auditors to ensure compliance and address any issues. Implement and monitor policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Stakeholder Engagement. Collaborate with academic and professional services leaders to support financial planning and resource allocation. Communicate financial performance and strategy to the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. With the Vice Chancellor foster relationships with donors, government agencies and financial institutions. Support entrepreneurial initiatives and partnerships that enhance Falmouth’s financial sustainability.
Overarching responsibilities
- Ensure up-to-date knowledge of the UK HE context and the potential effects of trends, policies and other external factors on the University.
- Work within and actively support the equality and diversity policies and practices of the University.
- Notify the Vice Chancellor or UEB of any errors or concerns at the earliest opportunity.
- Participate in the University’s Performance Development Review process.
- Be responsible for own continuing self-development.
- Work within a framework of effective governance, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, legislation, policies and procedures.
University Executive Board (UEB) Guiding Principles
- (We will) focus on open, respectful and constructive conversations that will always assume positive intent to enable us to reach our shared collective accountabilities.
- (We recognise) that our personal approach has to be shared and that we need work towards developing as a high performance team that holds ultimate trust in each other.
- (We will) remain, creative, flexible, acknowledge that times change, and people change and that our ability to be agile with empathy will stand us in good stead.
- (We strive to) act like this because we want to be clear as to what decision is being made, how best to communicate that decision and that we can effectively enable the whole university, our students and our colleagues to achieve their very best.
- (We will) take collective responsibility for the implementation of the university’s Mission and Vision, upholding its Values.
Person Specification
We are seeking a colleague who will complement the aims of the University as a modern, vibrant place to work and learn, and who really wants to make a positive difference every day.
Qualifications
- A degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field, master’s degree preferred.
- A professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
Experience, Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive experience in financial management within a large, complex organisation, with the ability to translate and apply this experience effectively to the higher education sector.
- Strong knowledge of UK financial regulations, funding models and reporting standards with the ability to quickly develop sector-specific understanding (e.g. OfS, HESA, MHCLG).
- Working knowledge of taxes (VAT and corporate), purchasing (including public procurement legislation), charity and corporate finance systems.
- Knowledge of investment and venturing processes and policies to support Falmouth’s commercial activities.
- Strong commitment to Falmouth’s mission, vision and values.
- High level of integrity and ethical standards.
- Excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
- A demonstrable and proven ability in leadership and change management utilising technology and digital approaches as relevant.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives.
- Committed to developing talent and embracing diversity.
- Adaptability in a dynamic and evolving higher education environment.
Key Attributes
- Visionary Leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading financial transformation and driving strategic initiatives that align with our broader educational objectives.
- Adaptability. In a rapidly changing higher education environment, our CFO must be adept at navigating uncertainty and making informed decisions that balance risk and opportunity.
- Modernisation Expertise. Our CFO will be instrumental in modernising and shaping the future finance team operating model, with a focus on talent and standards, while leveraging the latest thinking, systems and best practices to enhance efficiency, transparency and responsiveness.
- Collaborative Spirit. We value a leader who can work seamlessly with other executives, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared purpose across academic and professional services departments.
- Strategic Partnership with the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive. The CFO will serve as a strategic advisor to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, providing critical financial insights to support decision-making and drive Falmouth’s mission, vision and values forward.
- Commitment to Sustainability. As we integrate sustainability into our core operations, our CFO will play a crucial role in aligning financial strategies with our environmental and social goals, ensuring that our institution remains a leader in sustainable practices.
How to Apply:
We are working with Hays Senior Finance on this appointment.
Apply now or contact Jonathan Green 01392 348 871 for an informal conversation.
Closing date: 8th October.