Appointment of the Group Chief Financial Officer

Coventry University

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in this exciting board level role at Coventry University Group.

Coventry is an award-winning modern university group that is innovative and dynamic, we have grown rapidly from a single-site University into a successful and sophisticated global enterprise with quality led operations across the UK, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and China. Our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative education and impactful research on a national and global scale. With a Group turnover nearing half a billion pounds we are an organisation that is highly ambitious and focussed on growth.

We have broken the mould in order to widen the reach and quality of our education provision across the globe. Our ambitions and approach stand us apart in the UK higher education sector and with the coming years characterised by continued national and international growth and the formalising of a defined Group structure we are now recruiting a Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and lead our global financial strategy.

The successful candidate will work regularly with the Board of Governors as well as attending relevant Committees and subsidiary Company boards. As such, s/he is expected to develop an effective working relationship with the Chair of the Board and other key members of the Governing Body.

As we grow, our CFO will implement strong financial controls and best practices, particularly in relation to tax efficiencies and ensure robust processes are in place to protect the Group from risks. We are keen to explore applications from across sectors, but candidates must be able to demonstrate a proven track record of international financial operations and relevant leadership in a complex, group environment, with competing measures of organisational success.

Our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley would be delighted to discuss this opportunity with you in the first instance.

Professor John Latham
Vice-Chancellor & CEO

About us

We are a unique higher education group with a unique approach to our activities. We recognise that our staff are central to the group’s success and are committed to supporting our people to deliver teaching and learning, research outputs and impact, and enterprise development which will enhance our ability to operate globally. Our approach is partnership driven, entrepreneurial and sustainable.

Our teaching, staff, facilities and student experience have received a variety of awards and accolades in recent years, and our future is looking bright too. We’re proud of our achievements and how the university’s global reputation is flourishing. We’re committed to continuing to deliver quality teaching and learning, outstanding student satisfaction, and our objective of making our students into global ready graduates. 

We gained university status in 1992. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to become a global enterprise, establishing multiple campuses and initiatives across the world, including the Coventry University Group.

The Coventry University Group is an umbrella term for Coventry University and all of the locations owned and governed by Coventry University.

You can view our Organisation Chart – Executive Structure, Organisation Chart – Operating Units and the Coventry University Group Structure Chart for a more detailed overview.

Please click here to view the the latest annual report and financial statements.

2030 group strategy

Our Strategy is about who we are, why we’re here and how we want to create better futures for our students, colleagues, partners and stakeholders. Driven by our mission vision and values, we will deliver against our four strategy themes – Education and Student Experience; Research and Impact; Enterprise and Innovation; and Global University.

Our Vision

A global Education Group with a reputation for equity and innovation that empowers students and communities to transform their lives and society through teaching, learning, research and enterprise.

Our Mission

Creating Better Futures embodies our purpose, defining the diverse nature of Coventry University Group, from delivering inclusive and impactful global education for our learners, to addressing societal challenges through our research and innovation.

Our Values

Our values are our identity; driven forward by our people to help bring our mission, vision and strategy to life. They inform our practice and decision making and are essential for addressing challenges and opportunities. We have shaped our values to be enduring and strategic, emphasising our distinctive qualities and reflecting our aspirations.

  • Collaboration – we respect and value the contribution of colleagues, stakeholders, partners and communities to deliver real and beneficial impact.
  • Determination – we are here because we know we can make a difference and will not be deterred as we strive for success.
  • Diversity & Inclusion – we harness the power and potential of the different cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues and partners to create opportunities for all.
  • Innovation  – we welcome challenge and embrace change; delivering creative and innovative solutions.
  • Integrity – we stay true to our mission, vision and values, taking responsibility for our actions and challenging our peers to achieve together.

Click here to view the strategy in full.

Group Chief Financial Officer

Group Chief Financial Officer (AQ1895)

Apply now

Terms of appointment

  • The salary will be agreed with the successful candidate depending on experience.
  • LGPS pension scheme or the Aviva Pension Scheme (defined benefits with matched contributions by the Employer up to 10%). Or a cash allowance scheme – available subject to sign off from REMCOMM for people who have reached the lifetime allowance for their pension
  • A discretionary 3 year long term retention plan, paid out after 3 years, over the following three years. The value is currently 60% of salary (determined at the start of the plan) and based on achievement of a defined set of Corporate metrics”
  • Annual Leave –38 days with the University and 28 days with the CUCS so overall an annual leave of 33 days
  • Employer funded Partner PMI (or reduce to Single if they wish) and Dental. These are subject to BIK tax through P11D in Jun

The University also offers a range of  benefits including  flexible working, a childcare vouchers scheme, training, personal and professional development and discounted membership to the university’s bespoke £4m sport and recreation centre. In addition, we have a number of lifestyle benefits, such as our cycle to work scheme and our Coventry University car share scheme, all designed to support your career, wellbeing and the environment.

This post will be engaged on a permanent basis 51% on Coventry University Terms and 49% on CU Corporate Services, until such time that the articles of governance can be amended.   Then it would be 100% through CU Corporate Services.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 6 November, 2023.

AQ Reference: AQ1895

Applications should consist of:

  • A full CV.
  • A covering letter outlining how you meet the essential experience criteria of the person specification.
  • Please include details of two referees in either your CV or covering letter, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Carolyn Coates on carolyn.coates@andersonquigley.com, +44(0)7825 871 944 or Ed Pritchard on ed.pritchard@andersonquigley.com, +44(0)7980 817 927.

 

Timetable (Dates TBC)

Closing Date Monday 6 November, 2023
AQ Preliminary Interviews Mid-November, 2023
Final Panel Interviews Monday 11 December, 2023