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- Tasks: Lead financial analysis to assess the sustainability of higher education.
- Company: Independent regulator of higher education in England, committed to student success.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of higher education while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial analysis and reporting.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on equality and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Analyst – Financial Analysis. This role is key in assessing the financial health and sustainability of the higher education sector at an overall level including supporting the Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) area of work. It will involve leading on pieces of analysis of financial and other data from a range of sources and providing high quality outputs for both internal and external stakeholders.
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 Senior Analyst – Financial Analysis role will be based in the Sector Financial Analysis team, part of the Regulation Directorate. In this role you will play a key part in fulfilling the OfS’s statutory duty to monitor and report on the financial sustainability of higher education providers and financial patterns and trends across the sector. The post holder will contribute to a programme of analysis and modelling focused on the financial sustainability and risks facing the higher education sector. Working as part of the team you will be required to communicate the analysis in high‑quality outputs, including external publications which require a high level of accuracy.
About you: You will be a fully qualified accountant with experience in analysing and modelling data, including financial data. You will also have an understanding of costing systems such as activity based costing. Experience of contributing your findings to high-quality outputs such as reports or similar documents is essential. Strong team-working skills are also vital for success in this role. You will work closely with members of the Sector Financial Analysis team, as well as colleagues across the wider organisation to achieve shared goals.
- Experience in financial analysis and modelling.
- Providing professional finance analysis and costing expertise.
- Experience of working cross-functionally.
- Proven ability to contribute to high-quality reports and publications.
- An understanding of the Higher Education Sector and Public Sector finances.
- An accounting qualification with up-to-date CPD.
- Experience of working in the higher education sector.
- Experience of analysing the financial data of higher education providers.
- Experience of the HE sector costing methodology – TRAC.
As part of the initial application process you will be asked to respond to three questions. We will use your written responses to these questions and your career history and experience to shortlist candidates for interview.
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.
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 9 February 2026 at noon; Interviews from week commencing Monday 23 February 2025. Interviews: As part of the interview process, candidates will be asked to complete an Excel based assessment. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates ahead of the interview.
For information: the OfS does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
Senior 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 Senior Analyst - Financial Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the OfS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that Excel assessment! Brush up on your financial modelling skills and practice common scenarios you might face in the role. The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled financial analysis in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the OfS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Analyst - Financial Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your written responses to the specific questions asked. Highlight your relevant experience in financial analysis and modelling, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of the higher education sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: When discussing your career history, focus on your achievements rather than just listing your duties. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality outputs and contribute to reports. This will help us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Clarity is key! Make sure your writing is clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, so keep it simple and effective.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Analyst in Financial Analysis, you’ll need to be on top of your financial data. Brush up on key financial metrics and trends in the higher education sector. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data analysis in previous roles to drive decisions.
✨Master the TRAC Methodology
Since this role involves the Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC), make sure you understand its principles and applications. Familiarise yourself with how TRAC impacts financial sustainability in higher education, and be ready to share your insights during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Reporting Skills
You’ll need to produce high-quality outputs, so bring examples of reports or publications you’ve contributed to. Highlight your attention to detail and how you ensure accuracy in your work. This will demonstrate your ability to meet the expectations of both internal and external stakeholders.
✨Teamwork is Key
This role requires strong collaboration skills. Think of examples where you’ve worked cross-functionally to achieve shared goals. Be ready to discuss how you communicate effectively with team members and other departments, as this will show you’re a great fit for their culture.
