Chief Financial Officer - CFO (Contract) in Cheshire, Warrington
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Warrington About the role
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a world-leading specialist university dedicated to improving global health and saving lives through research, education, and partnerships. For over 125 years, it has been at the forefront of tackling infectious diseases and advancing health equity, working with partners across more than 70 countries to deliver impact where it matters most.
Today, it is internationally recognised as a mission-led, research-intensive postgraduate institution, with over 650 staff working in Liverpool and across the world. Working across the full translational spectrum, from discovery science through to implementation, LSTM’s staff, students, and partners are undertaking research which is saving and improving lives in the most disadvantaged populations.
Operating across the UK and internationally, including through subsidiaries and partner global hubs, LSTM manages a complex and volatile funding environment and diverse portfolio of research, partnerships, and education programmes. At a time of significant external challenge across global health and higher education, LSTM continues to perform strongly, with a clear focus on sustainable growth and impact, delivered through an active research portfolio of £738m.
We are seeking to appoint a Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation. As a core member of the Executive Team, the postholder will play a vital role in shaping and delivering institutional priorities and the University’s financial strategy. Acting as a key advisor to the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer, and Board of Trustees, they will ensure long-term financial sustainability while enabling continued investment in people, infrastructure, and research.
This is a broad and influential role, spanning financial strategy, planning and performance, governance, and leadership of a large multi-disciplinary finance function. The Chief Financial Officer will also play a key role in driving the transformation of our finance operations, including strengthening systems and processes, enhancing insight and reporting, embedding new approaches to business planning and business partnering, and ensuring robust control and compliance across our complex international operating model.
The successful candidate will be an established senior finance leader with experience operating at board level in a complex, and ideally regulated environment. They will bring strong financial and commercial judgement, with the ability to navigate complexity, provide clear direction, and drive organisational change. At a time of notable change and opportunity in the higher education and global health sectors, the role of Chief Financial Officer is particularly important at this point in LSTM’s development. If you are motivated by purpose, and have the leadership, insight, and ambition to help shape the future of a globally recognised institution, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Your tasks
Lead financial strategy and operations for a world-renowned health-focused university.
Your profile
Senior finance leadership experience, ideally in complex or regulated environments.
What's also included
Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape future leaders in health.
Tech stack & ways of working
Chief Financial Officer - CFO (Contract) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the fight against malaria. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the institution provides ample opportunities for research advancement and professional development, alongside a generous benefits package that includes substantial annual leave and pension schemes, making it an ideal place for those passionate about impactful research.
View Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine profile
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in global health while leading financial innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements
In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience
If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully
When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References
For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine that you’re a reliable team player.
Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
Locations
- Warrington
- Cheshire
