Financial Director

About Us: 

Coventry University, founded in 1843, is a forward-looking, modern institution with a proud tradition of providing high-quality education. Students benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and facilities across various academic disciplines, including business, computing, health, design, engineering, and performing arts. Coventry University has been described by Times Higher Education as “one of the most innovative modern universities, bold in its vision of the 21st-century student experience”.

Position Overview: 

The Financial Director plays a key role in shaping the university’s financial strategy and operations, providing leadership, strategic insight, and ensuring efficiency and sustainability. The role requires significant expertise in higher education finance, ideally within UK or transnational education, combining academic understanding with strong management skills. Working closely with senior leadership, the Financial Director ensures that financial planning and management align with institutional goals, supporting long-term growth and stability.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver financial strategies aligned with the university’s long-term goals.

• Provide leadership to ensure institutional stability, sustainability, and growth.

• Drive efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and investment opportunities.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across all functions.

• Monitor performance and provide data-driven insights for decision-making.

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, tax laws, and Coventry University Group policies.

• Oversee risk management, audits, and financial controls.

• Manage cash flow, assets, and reserves to maintain financial health.

• Optimise procurement and expenditure for maximum value.

• Deliver timely and accurate reports to senior leadership, Board, and external stakeholders.

• Work with the Vice-Chancellor, COO, and leadership team to integrate financial planning with academic and operational strategies.

• Support key initiatives such as campus development, digital transformation, and HR planning.

• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering excellence and accountability.

• Engage with auditors, banks, regulators, and partners to protect and advance the university’s financial interests.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

• Senior leadership experience in financial management, preferably in UK higher education and/or transnational education.

• Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, resource allocation, compliance, and audits.

• Strong knowledge of UK and international financial regulations, funding models, and governance.

• Proven ability to lead finance teams and support institutional growth.

Personal Qualities & Skills

• Strong analytical and strategic mindset with focus on results.

• Integrity, transparency, and accountability in financial management.

• Collaborative leadership with excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to manage complexity, prioritise, and deliver under pressure.

• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic higher education environment.

• Fluency in English is required; Kazakh and/or Russian is an advantage.

Why Join Us?

Coventry University Kazakhstan offers a unique opportunity to shape the digital foundations of a modern international campus. Join a mission-driven institution committed to innovation, student success, and global excellence in higher education.