Director of Finance in Falmouth

About The Role

Hays Senior Finance are delighted to be partnering with Falmouth University in the recruitment of a new Director of Finance. An inspiring and forward‑thinking place to work, this modern, creative and collaborative organisation are committed to shaping the future of the creative and technological industries. At Falmouth University you will find an ambitious, supportive culture where innovation, flexibility and personal development are genuinely valued. With industry‑standard facilities, a strong focus on wellbeing, and a beautiful coastal location this unique and highly regarded organisation are also a major contributor to Cornwall’s economy.

Your new role

The Director of Finance role provides strategic financial leadership, overseeing planning, accounting, operations, audit, risk and compliance to ensure strong governance and sustainability. Leading financial services across the University, this role ensures robust control and reporting, supports evidence‑based decision‑making, and delivers high‑quality analysis to enable institutional and long‑term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and enhance financial planning, management accounting, operations, audit and compliance, ensuring strong controls, high‑quality insight and long‑term financial sustainability across the University, subsidiaries and commercial partnerships.
• Oversee the development, presentation and monitoring of annual budgets and forecasts, working closely with the CFO and senior leadership teams.
• Ensure a high‑quality Finance Business Partnering service, enabling Budget Holders to effectively manage income and expenditure in line with financial regulations.
• Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer, representing the Finance function at senior committees, leading cross‑institution projects and managing complex operational and HR matters.
• Drive strategic improvements to finance systems, processes and reporting by collaborating with Planning, Business Intelligence and Finance Operations to enhance data quality, efficiency and decision‑making.
• Lead on treasury management, tax compliance and financial policy development, ensuring adherence to regulations and oversight of cashflow, banking, VAT and Corporation Tax requirements.
• Oversee statutory and regulatory financial returns, strengthen risk management across the department, and build financial capability across the University through coaching and training.

About You

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Fully qualified CCAB accountant with strong experience managing complex financial operations in large organisations.
• Proven senior leader with a track record of directing multi‑disciplinary finance teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong technical expertise across financial and management accounting, tax (VAT/Corporation Tax), statutory reporting and financial controls.
• Excellent communicator, confident representing the University with internal and external partners, committees and governing bodies.
• Resilient, adaptable and collaborative, able to work under pressure and drive continuous improvement.
• Growth mindset, ideally with experience of developing finance business partnering cultures.
• Prior experience of financial planning and analysis a benefit.
• Experience in higher education an advantage, applications are also welcome from outside the sector.

What you need to do now

Find out more about Falmouth University and the role on this dedicated website. Apply via Hays or contact Jonathan Green on 01392 348871 for an informal conversation. The closing date for this position is Wednesday 4 March 2026.

What you’ll get in return

Outstanding and rare opportunity to help shape the future finance story of a large organisation. Competitive salary + excellent benefits, to include:

• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions up to 12%, plus life assurance.
• Generous leave package including 35 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Attractive salary‑sacrifice options as well as relocation assistance, where appropriate.

Falmouth University welcomes and encourages job applications from people of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those under‑represented and/or marginalised, as it is important we have a diverse range of candidates to consider.