The University of Sheffield

Founded in 1905, the University of Sheffield’s mission is to educate students to empower them to help improve communities all across the world. The University has a global reputation for excellence in research, teaching quality and student experience. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Sheffield is consistently ranked in the top 100 universities in the globe (QS World University rankings 2021) and within the top 20 in the United Kingdom. The University has a global outreach and is renowned for its innovative partnerships with business, government, healthcare providers and communities at home and abroad. With over 26,000 students from over 140 countries, students studying at Sheffield have consistently rated the experience to be one of the best in the United Kingdom.

The Council is the governing body of the University, responsible for the conduct of all areas of business, strategic development and overall achievement of the University’s mission. It is the role of the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Audit Committee to advise and support the Council in respect to assurance, the internal control environment, and to approve the consolidated financial statements of the University. The Chair of the Audit Committee will be appointed as a Pro-Chancellor, member of Council and University Officer by virtue of the position. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will join Council from July, with the intention of assuming the Officer role during or at the end of the next academic year.

The Chair of the Audit committee will bring board-level experience, ideally as a non-executive with experience of audit committee membership. This will have been gained from organisations similar in scale and complexity to the University. An understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles and an ability to assess their general application, and of internal control over financial reporting as an audit committee function is highly sought. In addition to their responsibilities as Chair of Audit, the successful candidate will make a broader contribution to the University as a Member of Council.  An empathy with higher education alongside alignment with the University’s values and strategic aims are key attributes.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Sheffield on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WDDL. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 22^nd March 2022.