Strategic Finance Adviser

Location:

Bristol Salary: £68,720 - £72,004 Plus generous defined benefit Civil Service Pension Travel to higher education provider locations will be a necessary part of the role, although will be variable depending on business need.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It exists to ensure that English higher education offers the best experience and the best value: for students, for taxpayers, for the economy and for the public good. Our vision is that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.

We are seeking two Strategic Finance Advisers to join our Regulation Directorate. This role is critical in protecting student interests through rigorous financial monitoring of higher education (HE) providers. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant who is experienced operating at a senior level, with a strong background in financial management, auditing, and an understanding of the higher education sector.

As a member of senior staff, you will lead the organisation to develop, implement and deliver its strategy and business plan. You must therefore be, and be seen to be, credible champions for the OfS’s approach to regulation and role models in this respect for staff and with external stakeholders.

• Financial Monitoring and
  
  Risk Management:

  Conduct detailed reviews of financial data and modelling outputs for HE providers with greater financial sustainability risks.

  Engage with senior management at HE providers, including Finance Directors and Accountable Officers, to discuss financial risk management.

  Through engagement with providers on a risk basis, ensure the OfS has up-to-date knowledge of providers’ finances, contingency plans, and capacity to adapt to financial risks.

  Provide expert, evidence-based advice on the financial management of providers.

  Review and challenge providers’ stress testing, scenario planning, and financial risk management plans.

  Make formal recommendations to OfS to support and improve our regulation of provider financial sustainability and monitor improvement plans.

• Management and Governance:

  Evaluate the management and governance systems at providers to maintain financial viability and sustainability.

  Ensure providers have sufficient skills and robust management/data systems to secure financial sustainability for the benefit of students.

  Make and monitor recommendations to OfS to improve our regulation of financial management at providers.

• Market Exit Casework:

  Provide expert financial advice on market exit risks at providers where relevant.

  Monitor and scrutinise financial plans at providers facing higher market exit risks, making appropriate recommendations.

  Support modelling of financial implications of market exit options for individual cases.

  Engage with stakeholders, including government, funders, lenders, auditors, and advisors, as necessary.

• General duties:

  Stay informed on the latest trends in financial sustainability.

  Share knowledge and experience with colleagues across the OfS, integrating financial investigatory work into other regulatory risk assessments.

  Feedback data and intelligence into OfS sector analysis and modelling.

  Support the OfS’ understanding of the sector’s capacity to absorb financial risk.

  Report outcomes through OfS management.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience.

You will have:

• An Accountancy qualification
• Extensive experience in financial management and audit/financial interrogation.
• Proven experience of engaging with senior management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Str…