University finance chief resigns after eight days

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Dundee University is looking for its fourth head of finance in less than a year

Troubled University of Dundee has suffered a further setback safter its finance chief resigned just eight days after taking on the role.

Professor Nigel Seaton, the interim principal, told staff on Monday that the university was seeking its fourth head of finance in less than a year.

He said: “I am writing to let you know that Chris Reilly, our interim chief finance officer, has left the university by mutual agreement,” he said in a note.

“We are moving quickly to appoint a new interim director of finance who will take us through the next steps of the university recovery plan for submission to the Scottish Funding Council.

“We will share further information about this process with you as soon as is possible.”

A highly-critical report published last month found that an “overbearing principal”, a lack of transparency and poor financial controls had contributed to a £35 million deficit that put hundreds of jobs at risk.

The independent investigation was carried out by Professor Pamela Gillies, who said the university’s meltdown was largely self-inflicted. It was followed by a series of resignations. Last week the former principal Iain Gillespie admitted to a committee of MSPs that he was “incompetent”.

Ministers have bailed out the university by providing £62 million from the public purse.


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