Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead counter fraud initiatives to protect student and taxpayer interests in higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working options, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the integrity of higher education funding.
- Qualifications: Experience in counter fraud, audits, and stakeholder collaboration required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 82082 - 86006 £ per year.
Salary: £82,082 - £86,006 plus London weighting £3,566 (where appropriate)
Location: Bristol or London
Generous Civil Service defined benefit pension
About us
We are the independent regulator of higher education in England. We aim to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. We’re proud of our people, our culture and the benefits we offer. We care about supporting and developing our staff. At the OfS we want to create a welcoming and engaging working environment which is free from discrimination. We’re looking for skilled, committed people who care about students and their experience of higher education. Join us and you’ll be part of an energetic, forward-looking organisation with high ambitions and big opportunities for our people.
About the role
The Head of Counter Fraud role will be based in the Provider Governance team. The team leads on the OfS’s approach to policy development and casework, monitoring how universities and colleges comply with the OfS’s conditions of registration relating to management and governance, and to intervene in a way that ensures student and taxpayers interests are prioritised. This is a new specialist post to lead on the design, development and implementation of an intervention approach to mitigate against risks to misuse of public funding by providers in receipt of funding directly or indirectly from the public purse, including funding distributed by the Student Loans Company. You will work closely with the existing enforcement and investigations and legal teams, and will oversee the work of the existing provider audit team.
About you
You will have led a counter fraud function overseeing the delivery of audits, investigations and activity directed at mitigating against risks of this nature. Other similar roles managing counter fraud activity both in terms of policy development and casework may also demonstrate appropriate experience. You’ll be experienced in assessing risks and designing innovative approaches to testing these, working with relevant existing powers to design and implement relevant interventions. Professional accountant, internal audit or counter fraud qualifications (such as Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist, ICA or ACFE) are desirable, but not essential.
Essential experience required for the role:
- Experience of working creatively and agilely within a complex legislative and regulatory framework to establish a credible and effective intervention approach.
- A successful track record of influencing and collaborating with a range of senior stakeholders to deliver best practice in counter fraud, investigations and audit activity in large and complex organisations.
- Experience of developing, leading and delivering a counter fraud / investigations / audit practice / identification of risk, either in the public or private sector.
- Outstanding ability to communicate (both oral and written) and work effectively and collaboratively with a range of peers, partners and senior colleagues, combined with the ability to respond quickly to fast moving priorities.
- Highly developed leadership skills, with proven ability to build and inspire a team, develop capability and create an engaged and motivated workforce.
- Line management experience and experience in coaching staff.
Desirable experience:
- Experience of working in a regulator and / or the higher education sector would be an advantage.
- Experience of working closely with government on the development of new legislation would be an advantage.
Application process
There are 3 online application questions to complete, alongside providing a copy of your CV.
Reasonable adjustment
We are committed to ensuring the recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application stage, please contact us at recruitmentteam@officeforstudents.org.uk and we will be happy to help.
Working for us
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that it can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams then use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two or three days in a typical week. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working (with a minimum 0.8 FTE), apply to this role.
If you would like to talk further to someone about this role, please contact us at: recruitmentteam@officeforstudents.org.uk.
Closing date for applications Monday 2 February at noon
Interviews
As part of the interview process, candidates will be asked to prepare and give a short presentation.
For information: the OfS does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
Head of Counter Fraud employer: Office for Students
Contact Detail:
Office for Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Counter Fraud
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector or regulatory bodies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the OfS and its role in counter fraud. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've built and inspired teams. The OfS values collaboration, so highlight your ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Counter Fraud
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Counter Fraud role. Highlight your leadership in counter fraud functions and any relevant qualifications to catch our eye!
Answer Thoughtfully: When tackling the online application questions, take your time to provide detailed and thoughtful responses. We want to see how you’ve creatively navigated complex regulatory frameworks and influenced stakeholders.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in counter fraud practices and the regulatory framework. Brush up on your knowledge of public funding misuse and how it relates to higher education. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in building and inspiring teams. Think about times when you’ve successfully influenced senior stakeholders or led audits and investigations. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can motivate others and drive best practices.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to counter fraud. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. This will help you convey your ability to think creatively and agilely under pressure.
✨Prepare Your Presentation
Since you’ll need to give a short presentation during the interview, choose a topic that showcases your expertise in counter fraud. Make it engaging and informative, and practice delivering it confidently. This is your opportunity to shine and leave a lasting impression!
