At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and modelling to assess higher education sustainability.
- Company: Independent regulator of higher education in England, committed to student success.
- Benefits: Generous salary, Civil Service pension, flexible working, and supportive culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial health of higher education while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with financial analysis experience.
The predicted salary is between 56209 - 58820 £ per year.
We are looking for a fully qualified CCAB accountant with experience of leading on the analysis and modelling of a range of financial and other data, from a variety of sources, providing high-quality outputs for both internal and external stakeholders. The 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.
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.
About the role: The 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. 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 CCAB accountant with experience in analysing and modelling data, including financial data. You will also have an understanding, or a willingness to develop an understanding, of costing systems such as activity-based costing. Experience of contributing your findings to high-quality outputs – for instance, non-standard written reports or similar documents – such as our Financial Sustainability of the sector publication, 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.
Essential experience required for this role:
- 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
- A CCAB accounting qualification with up-to-date CPD
Desirable experience:
- 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
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 8 June 2026 at noon. Interviews will commence from the week commencing Monday 15 June 2026 and will include an Excel-based assessment. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates ahead of the interview. We are committed to ensuring our 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.
Senior Analyst - Financial Sustainability in Bristol employer: The Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the higher education sector. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity and prioritises the student experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Analyst - Financial Sustainability in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your financial analysis skills and be ready to discuss your experience with data modelling. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance, share examples of your previous work, especially any high-quality reports or publications you've contributed to. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver top-notch outputs.
✨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 our team at the OfS.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Analyst - Financial Sustainability in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Senior Analyst role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission in financial sustainability, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your financial analysis and modelling skills. We’re looking for someone who can provide high-quality outputs, so share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate this.
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Office for Students
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Analyst, you'll be expected to handle financial data with ease. Brush up on your financial analysis and modelling skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, especially in relation to higher education or public sector finances.
✨Master the TRAC Methodology
Understanding the Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) is crucial for this role. Familiarise yourself with its principles and be ready to explain how you would apply them in your analysis. This shows that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the sector's financial sustainability.
✨Prepare High-Quality Outputs
Since the role involves producing high-quality reports, think about your past experiences where you contributed to significant publications. Bring samples or be ready to discuss the process you followed to ensure accuracy and clarity in your outputs. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is key in this position, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight any cross-functional projects you've been involved in, and emphasise your ability to work towards shared goals. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
