Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

at  Northchild Education UK Ltd

ABOUT US:

Northchild Group (UK) comprises several companies in the UK, including those in education services as well as various property investment and operations companies. Our headquarters are in Vancouver, Canada. Our mission is to invest in and create innovative educational spaces and services that empower students and academics to excel in the higher education sector.
We are proud partners of the University of Portsmouth (UoP) and are responsible for establishing and delivering the UoP London Campus. With strong support from the London Borough of Waltham Forest, we oversee the campus’s infrastructure, facilities, and services, ensuring it thrives as a premier educational institution.
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial operations of Northchild Group. This key leadership role will oversee the financial strategy and operations of our education ventures, including the UoP London Campus. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping the Group’s financial future, driving sustainable growth, and ensuring robust financial governance across all entities.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience as a CFO or in a similar financial leadership role within a multinational or complex organisation.
• Strong financial acumen with a deep understanding of corporate finance, financial planning, and strategy.
• Expertise in managing large budgets and overseeing financial operations in the education sector is an advantage.
• Excellent knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and relevant financial regulations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a track record of driving financial performance.
• Professional qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in higher education, property development, or infrastructure projects is advantageous.
• Ability to communicate effectively with business units in Canada, China, and Singapore; bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese is desirable.

• Develop and implement the Group’s financial strategy in alignment with overall business goals.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis across all business units.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, and capital requirements to ensure the Group’s financial stability.
• Lead the financial oversight of the UoP London Campus project, ensuring efficient resource use and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Attend board-level meetings and present key financial information to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the executive team, supporting key business decisions and growth initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, auditors, and financial institutions.
• Oversee and optimise tax planning, risk management, and treasury functions.
• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.