Setu - Senior Vice President - Finance

South East Technological University (SETU) is redefining the educational and economic landscape of the south east of Ireland.
SETU was established in 2022, through the merger of two long-standing Institutes of Technology, combining over fifty years of academic and industry expertise into a bold, future-focused, multi-campus technological university.

As the only university in the region, SETU is a game-changer.
With a thriving community of over 18,000 learners and almost 2,000 dedicated staff across Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Kilkenny, we are fuelling innovation, driving economic growth, and shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

SETU is already making a profound impact.
Our researchers are pioneering advancements in areas such as ICT, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and life sciences, collaborating with global leaders and securing major research funding.
Our university and enterprise campus, currently in development, will serve as a powerhouse for innovation, bringing together academia, industry, and entrepreneurship to create high-value jobs and transformative solutions.

We are tackling the regional brain drain head-on by expanding our programme offerings, increasing PhD provision, and ensuring that top talent can study, research and thrive in the south east.
SETU is not just responding to industry needs, we are shaping them.
From leading research partnerships with global firms to supporting over 140 industry collaborations annually, we are strengthening Ireland's position on the world stage.

At SETU, ambition knows no bounds.
We are committed to becoming a top young global university, delivering world-class research, and elevating the south east as a hub of excellence.
Our student-focused, inclusive, and research-driven approach ensures that we empower graduates with the skills, knowledge and adaptability to lead in an ever-changing world.
Through innovation, education, and impact, SETU is defining the future, not just for the south east, but for Ireland and beyond.

Role Overview The purpose of this role is to lead the strategic finance and resourcing approaches for SETU.
The Senior Vice-President (VP), Finance will be a pivotal member of SETU's Senior Leadership team and will demonstrate a professional demeanour which is conducive to fostering productive relationships and communications regarding finances, financial planning, budgetary oversight and procurement across SETU.

Reporting directly to the President, the Senior VP, Finance will be instrumental in aligning the financial function of the university to support the strategic plan, as well as ensuring financial governance procedures are followed, including compliance with all relevant legislation and guidance.
The Senior VP, Finance will have a key role in the development of the university and ensuring its financial sustainability.
This role entails coordinating, planning, and overseeing financial operations in collaboration with the Senior Vice-Presidents (Academic and Operations) and working constructively with other members of the executive team as necessary.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategy Be responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies that contribute to the overall leadership, management and operations of SETU.
Provide operational and strategic direction to Vice-President Finance and the finance teams.
Collaborate with colleagues, including Senior Vice-Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Faculty leadership regarding measures for budgetary control and forecasting, providing guidance where appropriate.
Work closely with the President to identify and implement policies and strategic planning relating to the finances of SETU.
Contribute to institutional development and success as a member of the senior leadership team.
Ensure the development and implementation of a robust meeting structure with Vice President for Finance regarding budgetary planning and management.
Provide leadership to SETU's approach to borrowing and investment.
Maintain responsibility for compliance with financial regulations and standards.
Hold a representative role for SETU both internally and externally, maintaining accountability to the Governing Body.
Compliance and Regulatory Oversight Responsible for ensuring appropriate financial compliance procedures are in place and are followed by staff members.
Maintain necessary levels of regulatory oversight and ensure adequate training is provided to staff and faculty in leadership positions.
Stay up to date with any changes to regulatory environments pertaining to finance and financial standards and implement any updates or adjustments as needed.
Ensure appropriate regulations regarding the financial governance of operations are followed, as defined by the Higher Education Act.
Resource Allocation Work with the President to strategically allocate financial resources to support academic, research and operational initiatives.
Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritise funding for strategic projects, research, student services and infrastructural improvements/developments.
Ensure efficient and effective use of resources while aligning allocations with SETU's mission, goals and budgetary constraints.
Regularly evaluate the resource allocation processes to optimise financial stability and support long term growth.
Financial Reporting and Analysis Oversee the preparation and analysis of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and forecasts.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards and the regulatory requirements set by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Governing Body.
Utilise financial analysis tools and techniques to provide insights into financial performance, identify trends and support decision-making processes.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to communicate financial results, forecasts and recommendations effectively.
Financial Controls Establish and maintain adequate and updated internal controls to safeguard the assets of SETU and ensure the integrity of all transactions.
Implement policies and procedures to prevent fraud and any mismanagement of finances.
Inform other members of the organisation of their obligations surrounding these procedures as necessary and in an appropriate manner.
The Person Essential Requirements Significant demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of successful financial and strategic planning.
Extensive experience in managing large budgets over multi-year periods.
Experience in capital budgeting.
Experience in managing long term investments.
Experience in managing funding and resources from government agencies.
Desirable Requirements A Masters degree or other appropriate and relevant finance qualification.
Proven higher education sectoral experience.
Demonstrated track record of delivering significant finance transformation in complex environments.
The ability to prioritise and manage workloads and to cope with conflicting demands.
Key Skills and Competencies Strategic Thinking The Senior VP Finance should have the ability to develop, articulate and implement a clear vision for the finance function of SETU and how this can underpin and deliver on the objectives set out in the strategic plan.

Professional Expertise Has a comprehensive knowledge of financial principles, practices and systems including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting and financial analysis.

Leadership Manages performances amongst teams to deliver organisational goals.
Demonstrates accountability for leading, 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 range of people.
Interacts with partners internally and externally to develop mutually beneficial relationships.

Scenario Planning and Risk Assessment Possesses the ability to conduct scenario planning exercises and dynamic risk assessments to evaluate potential financial impacts and develop contingency plans.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills Has the 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.

How To Apply Forvis Mazars have been retained by SETU to assist with the appointment of the Senior Vice-President, Finance role.
Forvis Mazars, on behalf of SETU, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates both nationally and internationally, and will be undertaking a comprehensive recruitment process as part of this recruitment campaign.

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.

Applications should be submitted online and must include all of the following:
A cover letter outlining why you wish to be considered for the role of Senior Vice-President, Finance and why you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.
A completed application form.
Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
To apply for this role, visit and search Ref.
SET0325.

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