At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead economic analysis for the UK's financial services sector and shape strategic direction.
- Company: Join HM Treasury, a key player in shaping the UK’s financial landscape.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive team culture that values diverse perspectives and curiosity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial policy while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively.
The predicted salary is between 59690 - 66500 £ per year.
Salary: National: £59,690 - £66,500. If the successful candidate is a current Civil Servant joining on level transfer, HM Treasury will honour their current substantive salary if higher.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: This post is available on a full time, part time or job share basis, and flexible working hours can be accommodated.
Location: Darlington (Feethams House)
This is an exciting and unique analytical opportunity to lead and shape economic analysis across Financial Services Group, overseeing the evidence base for one of the UK’s most strategically important sectors.
About the Team
The Financial Services Strategy (FSS) team is a friendly and inclusive team responsible for setting strategic direction and ensuring a coordinated approach to the department's overarching financial services strategy, including through key events such as Mansion House, Budget and the Industrial Strategy. We are responsible for Treasury's strategy for financial services regulation, including leading the overall relationship and accountability mechanisms for the FS regulators, as well as cross-cutting redress issues. FSS owns the governance structures and programme management processes to monitor and support the implementation of the government's financial services priorities and leads on the department’s overarching approach to engagement with the sector.
FSS comprises four units:
- The Financial Services Strategy & Analysis Unit, where this role sits. We lead on the government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, deliver major set pieces including the Chancellor’s annual Mansion House policy package and speech, produce economic insights, evidence and analysis to inform the Group’s work, and lead on cross cutting policy issues including tax and regional growth for financial services.
- The Regulatory Strategy Unit, which is responsible for HMT’s strategic oversight of the FS regulatory environment, holds the independent financial services regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) – to account for delivering against their objectives, and leads on high profile regulatory policy issues and reforms such as reforms to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- The Business Engagement & Delivery Unit, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of engagement for the FS group, as well as overseeing the Group’s delivery of key priorities - capturing, reporting on, and mapping progress against public commitments to ensure that the government delivers its stated policy aims in financial services.
- The Legislative Strategy Unit, which leads the Group’s strategic approach to primary legislation and is currently focused on preparing to deliver a major planned Financial Services Bill that is key to delivering a number of Chancellor priorities.
About the Job
As the economist leading the Group’s analytical function, you will have significant scope to shape the analytical agenda, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform policy, strategy and Ministerial decision-making. The role offers exceptional variety, ranging from long-term strategic analysis and evaluation through to responding to fast-paced Ministerial priorities, working closely with policy colleagues and economists across government, regulators, and external stakeholders.
In this role you will be responsible for:
- Leading the Group's analytical function, developing and delivering the analytical workplan related to one of the UK's most strategically important sectors. You will have significant scope to identify emerging analytical priorities, bring new evidence and approaches into policy development, and shape the Group's strategic direction.
- Developing the evidence base underpinning the delivery of the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, through a range of analytical approaches including economic frameworks, policy appraisal, data analysis, sector and market intelligence, and monitoring and evaluation. This will prioritise key areas of focus for the Chancellor and build on recent metrics publications, and policy analysis which the previous postholder led including for the Financial Services and Markets Bill Impact Assessment.
- Leading high-profile analytical projects on Ministerial priorities and presenting your analysis to Ministers, Special Advisers and senior officials. Early priorities are likely to include AI and regional growth with scope to shape analysis across the Group's wider portfolio.
- Responding to Ministerial commissions and supporting senior officials and Ministers across the Group's wide-ranging portfolio. This includes shaping analytical input to the Chancellor's annual Mansion House speech and package, fiscal events and wider government growth priorities.
- Building and delivering through a strong analytical network across HMT, across government including with DBT on the Industrial Strategy, and externally with regulators and academia. This includes representing the Group in internal and external forums, bringing economic thinking and evidence into policy development, and helping strengthen the impact of analysis in this area.
- The role does not currently have direct line management responsibilities, although there may be opportunities to oversee and task manage temporary analytical staff in support of priority analytical projects.
The FS Strategy and Analysis Unit is a friendly, inclusive unit that values curiosity and bringing a wide range of perspectives to bear to inform our work. We encourage applications from a wide range of individuals with an enthusiasm and interest in applying analysis to shape policy and strategy on financial services issues. Previous financial services policy or sector experience is not required to succeed in the role.
About You
We are looking for candidates who have strong analytical skills and ability to deliver an analytical project from start to finish, applying sound economic theory, selecting the right methodology, and communicating results with impact. We want you to be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal communications and have the ability to respond to changing environments. As well as being able to apply strong judgement and use imperfect data and evidence to effectively inform analytical plans and policy development, and to support senior or Ministerial decisions.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant).
- Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28%.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.
Economic Adviser - Financial Services Strategy in London employer: HM Treasury
As a Capability and Talent Partner at HMT, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment. With flexible working options, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to employee development, HMT offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of talent management while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and growth. Located in vibrant cities like London, Norwich, and Darlington, this role provides not only professional fulfilment but also a chance to make a meaningful impact within the Civil Service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Adviser - Financial Services Strategy in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Economic Adviser - Financial Services Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in HM Treasury and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show HM Treasury how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Treasury
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
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If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with HM Treasury.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with HM Treasury's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
