Office for Students seeks chief finance officer

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

The Office for Students is recruiting a chief finance and operating officer to lead its corporate services, including finance, HR, technology, and estates management. The appointment is crucial for managing the regulator's budget of over £1 billion and ensuring effective delivery of its regulatory goals in higher education.

The Office for Students (OfS), the regulator for higher education in England, is currently seeking to appoint a chief finance and operating officer (CFOO) to join its executive committee. This senior role will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and overseeing a broad corporate services team that spans finance, human resources, technology, and estates management.

Reporting directly to the chief executives, the CFOO will play a critical role in ensuring the effective stewardship of public resources, managing a budget exceeding £1 billion. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain the capabilities, systems, and operating models necessary for the OfS to achieve its regulatory objectives efficiently and effectively.

Applicants must possess either a recognised financial qualification or have substantial experience in leading finance functions. The role demands a proven track record in building and managing high-performing teams, delivering complex change programmes, and offering clear, confident advice on financial and organisational matters.

The OfS aims to uphold regulatory standards that support a diverse and independent higher education sector in England. Interested candidates are invited to apply by October 26 through the designated application portal.

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