Chief Financial Officer

The Organisation

South East Technological University (SETU) was established in May 2022, enabled by new legislation and the merger of two former Institutes of Technology that had been central to economic, social and cultural life in the south east for fifty years. As a multi-campus technological university, SETU serves its 18,000+ learners across campuses in Waterford, Carlow and Wexford and employs approximately 2,000 staff. The University also supports some academic and innovation activity in Wicklow and Kilkenny. SETU offers a student-centred education and is committed to lifelong learning, access, equality and inclusion, and to the provision of a comprehensive educational offering.

The Role

The Chief Financial Officer will lead the strategic finance and resourcing approaches for SETU. The Chief Financial Officer will be a pivotal member of SETU's Executive Team and will demonstrate a professional demeanour which is conducive to fostering productive relationships and communications regarding finances, financial planning, budgeting and procurement across the University. Reporting directly to the President, the Chief Financial Officer will be instrumental in aligning the finances of the university to support its strategic plan, as well as ensuring robust financial governance and compliance with all relevant legislation.

The Person

SETU is seeking a suitably qualified individual with an established track record as its Chief Financial Officer and a member of its senior leadership team. Proven senior leadership experience and management of a finance team is required. The ideal candidate will have significant demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of successful strategic financial planning, as well as experience in managing large budgets over multi-year periods. They will also have proven experience in managing funding and resources from various sources, which may include government agencies.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President and senior leadership, driving long-term financial planning that is aligned with the university's mission and growth objectives.
• Lead the development of innovative financial models to support institutional agility and sustainability in a changing higher education landscape.

Capital Planning and Infrastructure Development

• Provide leadership and strategic input to the financial elements of major capital development projects.
• Contribute to university development and success as a member of the senior leadership team.

Innovation in Financial Systems and Technology

• Spearhead modernisation of financial systems, leveraging cloud-based platforms, automation, and data analytics to enhance transparency, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital transformation across finance-related functions.

Resource Optimisation and Revenue Diversification

• Lead initiatives to diversify revenue streams.
• Optimise use of university resources through dynamic budgeting, scenario planning, and performance-based funding models.
• Work with the President to strategically allocate financial resources to support academic, research, and operational initiatives.
• Ensure efficient and effective use of resources while aligning allocations to SETU's mission, goals, and budgetary priorities.
• Provide leadership to SETU's approach to borrowing and investment.

Risk Management and Governance

• Proactively identify financial and operational risks related to large-scale projects, student registration trends, and economic shifts; implement adaptive mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and audit standards while promoting ethical financial stewardship.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard the assets of SETU and ensure the integrity of transactions.
• Ensure appropriate regulations regarding financial governance are followed, as defined by the Higher Education Act.
• Utilise financial analysis tools and techniques to provide insights into financial performance, identify trends, and support decision-making processes.
• Represent SETU on financial matters both internally and externally.

Collaborative and Transparent Leadership

• Build strong relationships across academic and professional units to foster trust, alignment, and shared ownership of financial goals.
• Communicate complex financial information in accessible ways to diverse stakeholders, including the Governing Body.
• Foster strong external relationships in support of the university's mission.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• A relevant degree in finance, accounting or a related field.
• A recognised professional finance qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA).
• Significant senior experience of financial leadership in the public and/or private sector.
• Significant experience in the development and implementation of successful financial and strategic planning.
• Significant experience in managing large budgets over multi-year periods.
• Experience in capital budgeting.
• Experience in managing funding and resources from Government departments, or equivalent.

Desirable Requirements

The successful candidate may have:

• Proven higher education sectoral experience.
• A track record of delivering significant finance transformation in complex environments.
• An ability to prioritise and manage workloads and to cope with conflicting demands.

Key Skills and Competencies

Strategic Thinking

Ability to develop, articulate, and implement a clear vision for the finance function of SETU, underpinning and delivering the objectives set out in the SETU Strategic Plan 2023–2028.

Professional Expertise

Comprehensive knowledge of financial principles, practices, and systems including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Leadership

Strong capability in leading teams to deliver organisational goals. Demonstrates accountability for evaluating and directing the financial performance of an organisation. Influences others through a positive attitude and empowerment to follow a common goal.

Building Partnerships

Builds and maintains partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. Interacts with partners internally and externally to develop mutually beneficial relationships.

Scenario Planning and Risk Assessment

Ability to conduct scenario planning exercises and dynamic risk assessments to evaluate potential financial impacts and develop contingency plans.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Excellent ability to speak and write clearly, effectively, and fluently to both groups and individuals. Can influence and persuade others through communication and inspire them to follow an agreed course of action.

Application and Further Information

For further information, including a detailed candidate information booklet and to apply for this role visit www.forvismazars.com/ie/en/executiverecruitment

All enquiries relating to this role should be directed to the Executive Recruitment Team by email to execrecruit@mazars.ie or by telephone on +353 (1) 449 4400.

Forvis Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of SETU.

No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to SETU.

Deadline for applications: 3.00pm Irish Time on Monday, 6th October 2025

SETU is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation.