Chief Financial Officer Foreign University India Campus

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Foreign University, India Campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Gurugram India

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic and operational financial leadership from the outset for Foreign University’s new India campus. The campus will operate in India as a joint venture with Emeritus, and the role will involve a high degree of operational independence.The CFO will be responsible for financial strategy, planning and budgeting, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, taxation, financial risk management, capital planning, and the development of robust financial systems and controls. The role will ensure compliance with applicable Indian regulations while maintaining alignment with Foreign University’s financial governance and reporting requirements, working closely with the university finance leadership team and the JVC Board.The CFO will work closely with university leadership, governing bodies, regulators, government authorities, auditors, legal advisors, banking partners, and stakeholders across India and Foreign University.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy and Operational Performance
• Establish finance systems, policies, processes, controls, and reporting frameworks.
• Develop and implement the financial strategy for establishing and operating the India campus.
• Lead long-term financial modelling covering enrolments, fee structures, operating costs, investments, and campus growth.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing development of finance systems and reporting tools.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, taxation, statutory reporting, and internal and external audits.
• Establish and oversee procurement, purchasing, and contract governance frameworks to ensure transparency, value for money, and compliance with institutional requirements.
• Evaluate funding, investment, partnership, leasing, and other financial models to support long-term sustainability.
• Develop financially sustainable models for student enrolments, research, industry partnerships, executive education, and other revenue streams.
• Build and lead a high-performing finance team through effective workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability and financial discipline.
• Provide strategic financial advice and insights to senior leadership and governing committees.
• Governance, Risk and Compliance
• Establish strong financial governance, internal controls, fraud prevention, and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Indian education, corporate, taxation, foreign exchange, and financial regulations.
• Ensure appropriate alignment with international financial reporting requirements, including IFRS where applicable.
• Manage cross-border financial arrangements, foreign currency exposure, banking relationships, taxation, and financial risk.
• Maintain strong relationships with Indian regulators, government bodies, auditors, banks, and professional advisors.
• Support the Board in maintaining effective financial governance.
• Leadership Responsibilities
• Build and lead a high-performing finance team through effective workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability and financial discipline.
• Provide strategic financial advice and insights to senior leadership and governing committees.
• Coach leaders across the business to improve financial literacy and decision-making.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. (Essential)
• Professional qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent. (Essential)
• 10+ years of senior financial leadership experience, preferably in complex, regulated, or international organisations. (Essential)
• Experience in financial strategy, governance, budgeting, risk management, compliance, and financial reporting. (Essential)
• Strong knowledge of Indian taxation, regulatory, and financial frameworks. (Essential)
• Experience in international expansion, cross-border operations, or multinational organisations. (Desirable)
• Experience of working within higher education, transnational education, international campuses, or similarly complex regulated environments. (Essential)
• Experience managing significant capital projects and operational budgets. (Essential)
• Experience of developing long-term financial models and sustainability plans. (Essential)
• Experience of working with governing boards, Finance Committees, and Audit & Risk Committees. (Essential)
• Strong strategic thinking, commercial judgement, analytical ability, and stakeholder management skills. (Essential)
• High integrity, sound judgement, and ability to work effectively across cultures and jurisdictions. (Essential)
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. (Essential)
• Ability to influence strategic decision-making at executive and governing board level. (Essential)
  
  

• Head of Institution / India Campus Head
• University Governing Board / Council
• Audit & Risk Committee
• Parent University Finance Leadership
• Senior Academic and Professional Leadership
• Internal and External Auditors
• Government Authorities and Regulators
• Legal, Tax, and Professional Advisors
• Banking and Financial Partners
  
  

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)