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- Tasks: Lead financial analysis to assess the sustainability of higher education providers.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Generous salary, defined benefit pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of higher education and support diverse student experiences.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in financial analysis and strong understanding of public sector finance.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to promote work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 58776 - 61602 £ per year.
We are looking for a ‘Principal Analyst – Financial Sustainability’ to be a key part of our statutory duty to monitor and report on the financial sustainability of HE providers and the financial patterns and trends across the sector. This role sits within the Sector Financial Analysis team, itself a part of the Regulation Directorate.
The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England. We regulate higher education on behalf of all students, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has a fulfilling experience that enriches their lives and careers. We have high ambitions and offer great opportunities to get involved in bringing that vision to life.
This role is key in assessing the financial health and sustainability of the higher education sector at an overall level. It will involve leading on the financial analysis of data submitted by providers and providing high quality outputs to both internal and external stakeholders. The team regularly publishes high quality external publications which require a high level of accuracy in the analysis and outputs. The post holder will use their analysis of emerging trends and sector policy to inform the development of scenario modelling and the treatment of future risks at a sector level.
The key attributes you will need to succeed in this role are:
- Significant experience in financial analysis and modelling.
- Experience providing expert advice to senior stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of the higher education sector and public sector finance.
- Experience managing projects and coordinating cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality reports and publications.
- Experience managing and developing staff.
- An accounting qualification with up-to-date CPD.
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.
At the OfS, we recognise that flexibility 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, apply to this role.
Closing date for applications: 12:00 on 10 November 2025. Interviews from 3 December 2025.
Principal Analyst - Financial Analysis employer: Office for Students
Contact Detail:
Office for Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Analyst - Financial Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the higher education sector, especially those who work at the OfS or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into current trends in financial analysis within higher education. Show us you’re not just a number cruncher but someone who understands the bigger picture and can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your findings or ideas to senior stakeholders. Being able to communicate complex financial data clearly will definitely give you an edge.
✨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 job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Analyst - Financial Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in financial analysis and modelling. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Analyst – Financial Sustainability, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Reports: Since producing high-quality reports is key for this role, include examples of your previous work or publications. We love seeing how you’ve communicated complex financial data to stakeholders, so let your writing shine!
Highlight Your Stakeholder Experience: This role involves providing expert advice to senior stakeholders, so be sure to mention any relevant experiences. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to manage relationships and influence decision-making in the higher education sector.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Financial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your financial analysis and modelling skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, especially in the context of higher education or public sector finance.
✨Understand the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the higher education sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation's mission.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about your experience providing expert advice to senior stakeholders. Prepare some anecdotes that highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience managing projects and coordinating cross-functional teams. Highlight any successful outcomes from your leadership and how you ensured high-quality outputs, as this will demonstrate your capability to excel in this position.