Job description
We are a UK-based organisation specialising in Online Programme Management (OPM) services for leading universities and higher education institutions. By combining academic expertise with digital innovation and operational support, we help our partners deliver high-quality online education to students across the UK and beyond.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Financial Analyst to play a key role within our finance function on a contract basis. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, the successful candidate will lead the development and interrogation of commercial models for new and existing OPM partnerships, and will play a critical role in creating processes to analyse financial performance against budget, identifying key variances and providing actionable insights.
This role requires a strong analytical mindset, hands-on experience with financial modelling, and a track record of leveraging Power BI and other tools to build dashboards and automate reporting. Exceptional communication skills are also essential, as the role will involve presenting financial insights to senior executives and non-finance stakeholders across the business.
This role is a 6 month fixed term contract.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Modelling:
Build, maintain and interrogate dynamic commercial models to support pricing, forecasting, and investment decisions across our OPM partnerships (including alternative commercial models).
- Performance Analysis:
Design and implement templates to analyse monthly and quarterly financial performance, providing variance analysis against budgets and forecasts and identifying key trends and business drivers.
- Reporting & Automation:
Develop and maintain dashboards and reports using Power BI, ensuring senior stakeholders have access to timely and meaningful financial insights.
- Business Partnering:
Work closely with operational teams and senior leadership to provide financial insight that informs decision-making and strategic direction.
- Process Improvement:
Identify opportunities to streamline reporting and analytical processes through automation and better data utilisation.
- Executive Communication:
Prepare and present reports, models, and insights to the executive team in a clear, concise, and actionable format.
Degree qualified in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
Recognised professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) preferred.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a financial analysis or commercial finance role.
Demonstrable expertise in building and interrogating financial models.
Advanced Excel skills and strong experience with Power BI (or similar BI tools).
Proven track record of developing automated reporting processes and dashboards.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a high attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in conveying complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
Desirable Experience
Background in the higher education, edtech, or OPM sector.
Familiarity with partnership or revenue-share business models.
Experience working in a scale-up or fast-growing environment.
Engaging & vibrant organisational culture
35 hour working week
Flexible working (remote-first with hybrid office opportunities).
OES values driven recruitment principles
Career-life fit – health & wellbeing focus
25 days of annual leave + Bank holidays (Pro rata)
OES strategy reflects respect, honesty & diversity
Continuous improvement through challenging & meaningful work
High growth industry & strong partner/shareholder backing
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