At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a major public body, shaping the future of UK research.
- Company: Join UKRI, a key player in advancing research and innovation across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days annual leave, and access to a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving growth and innovation in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national research priorities while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance and governance within complex organisations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Considering applying for this job? Do not delay, scroll down and make your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Contract Term: This is a permanent, open-ended position.
Location: London or Swindon. Please note, this role includes regular travel to sites across the UK and international travel on occasion.
Direct Reports: The postholder will have line management responsibility for ~7 direct reports which includes roles such as Chief Information Officer, Finance Director and General Counsel & Head of Legal.
Availability: Successful candidates will be encouraged to take up their appointment as soon as possible, following the successful completion of pre-appointment checks and security clearance.
Security Level: The successful candidate must hold, or be willing to undergo, Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Please note that UKRI reserves the right to initiate or repeat security screening as required during the course of employment.
Closing Date: 23:55 on Sunday 7th June 2026.
About UKRI: Launched in 2018, UKRI is an independent, non-departmental public body, which invests £10 billion per annum in research and innovation. We bring together nine executive council partners (the seven Research Councils plus Innovate UK and Research England) with a shared vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Our mission is to “advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth”.
About the Role: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior strategic leader and principal adviser to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board. As a principal decision-maker, the CFO provides organisation-wide leadership across the following UKRI functions: finance, legal, digital and data, risk and assurance. Alongside the CEO, the CFO is an executive member of the UKRI board. The CFO is responsible for ensuring the organisation manages public money with strong governance, effective stewardship of public funds, and the highest standards of financial management, assurance and control.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing strategic leadership across UKRI, working closely with the CEO and executive colleagues to shape organisational direction and ensure UKRI’s interests are effectively represented to internal and external stakeholders.
- Guiding the development and execution of UKRI’s long-term strategy, exercising sound judgement in balancing DSIT objectives, financial constraints, and emerging national opportunities.
- Overseeing day-to-day executive operations as a core member of the Executive Committee, with direct accountability for finance, digital, data, risk and legal.
- Representing the CEO and UKRI at high-level engagements, deploying strong influencing skills to build trust with industry.
- Providing executive leadership over strategic partnerships, enabling UKRI and UK companies to access critical technologies and capabilities.
- Serving as a non-executive director on UKRI spin-out boards as required.
- Providing robust budget stewardship to ensure UKRI makes full and effective use of its grant-in-aid.
Your Skills and Experience: The successful candidate will be able to command confidence and represent the organisation with its many stakeholders at the highest level, being able to demonstrate the following:
- Proven experience leading and developing diverse, high-performing teams.
- Extensive experience holding enterprise-wide responsibility for financial probity, governance, and the effective delivery of financial outcomes.
- Strong understanding of the drivers of UK economic growth.
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly effective communicator and influencer.
- Strong personal resilience and sound judgement.
- Demonstrated commitment to personal growth, organisational learning, and continuous improvement.
Benefits: UKRI can offer the successful candidate: Flexible Working, 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays, Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme, Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider.
Chief Financial Officer in New Town employer: UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London or Swindon where innovation and research thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, UKRI provides opportunities for professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including 30 days of annual leave and access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Join a collaborative culture that values curiosity-driven research and impactful partnerships, making a meaningful contribution to society and the economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in New Town
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UKRI on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a CFO.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of UKRI's mission and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about their goals in research and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those around leadership and financial management. We need to demonstrate our ability to lead diverse teams and manage public funds effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the UKRI team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in New Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know UKRI:Before you start your application, take a moment to dive into what UKRI is all about. Understanding our mission and values will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our vision of advancing knowledge and driving growth.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are not just generic documents. Highlight your experience in financial management and leadership, and relate it back to the key responsibilities of the CFO role. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a CFO, you'll be leading a diverse team. Use your application to demonstrate your experience in managing high-performing teams and how you've successfully navigated complex organisational challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just click ‘apply’ and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you can handle the financial stewardship expected at UKRI.
✨Understand the Mission
UKRI's mission is all about advancing knowledge and improving lives. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. Be prepared to articulate how you can contribute to their objectives during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
With direct reports and a large team under your management, it’s crucial to highlight your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and navigated complex organisational challenges. This will demonstrate your capability to lead at a senior level.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key for this role. Think of instances where you've built strong relationships with government officials, industry leaders, or academic institutions. Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced decision-making and fostered collaboration in your past roles.
