Chief Financial Officer, University of Colorado Denver, Hyderabad, India

Chief Financial Officer

University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) (Hyderabad India Campus)

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer – India Campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic and operational financial leadership for the establishment and growth of India campus.

The CFO will be responsible for financial strategy, planning and budgeting, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, taxation, 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 the financial governance and reporting requirements of the parent university.

The CFO will work closely with university leadership, governing bodies, regulators, government authorities, auditors, legal advisors, banking partners, and stakeholders across India and the parent institution.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Establish finance systems, policies, processes, controls, and reporting 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.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, taxation, statutory reporting, and internal and external audits.
• Manage cross-border financial arrangements, foreign currency exposure, banking relationships, and financial risk.
• Lead financial planning and oversight for major capital projects, infrastructure, procurement, and campus development.
• 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.
• Establish strong financial governance, internal controls, fraud prevention, and risk management frameworks.
• Build and lead the India finance team and develop a culture of accountability and financial discipline.
• Provide strategic financial advice and insights to senior leadership and governing committees.
• Maintain strong relationships with Indian regulators, government bodies, auditors, banks, professional advisors, and the parent university.
  
  

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent preferred.
• 10+ years of senior financial leadership experience, preferably in complex, regulated, or international organisations.
• Experience in financial strategy, governance, budgeting, risk management, compliance , and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of Indian taxation, regulatory, and financial frameworks.
• Experience in international expansion, cross-border operations, or multinational organisations is highly desirable.
• Experience in higher education, public sector, regulated industries, or large institutional environments preferred.
• Experience managing significant capital projects and operational budgets.
• Strong strategic thinking, commercial judgement, analytical ability, and stakeholder management skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and ability to work effectively across cultures and jurisdictions.