About the Organisation
Yolk Recruitment are delighted to be working in partnership with the Office for Students (OfS) - the independent regulator for higher education in England. The OfS works to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling higher education experience that enriches their lives and careers. It regulates the higher education sector to ensure providers deliver high quality, financially sustainable courses and positive outcomes for their students.
The OfS is now seeking a Financial Sustainability Consultant to play a key role in safeguarding student interests by assessing and advising on the financial health of higher education providers.
The Role
As a Financial Sustainability Consultant, you will provide expert financial scrutiny, analysis and assurance in relation to the viability and sustainability of higher education providers.
You will:
1. Conduct detailed reviews of financial data, forecasts, and modelling outputs to identify and assess financial risks across the sector.
2. Engage with senior executives at universities and colleges - including CFOs and Accountable Officers - to understand how they are managing financial pressures and planning for contingencies.
3. Provide evidence-based advice and recommendations to the OfS on the financial management and risk exposure of providers.
4. Assess financial risk management, stress testing, and scenario planning, challenging assumptions and advising on areas for improvement.
5. Lead or support investigations into financial events or concerns, ensuring regulatory action is proportionate, transparent, and effective.
6. Contribute to wider policy development and sector analysis, helping the OfS build a deep understanding of financial resilience across higher education.
This is a visible, strategic role in which you'll be advising on high-impact issues that affect both providers and students.
About You
We're seeking a senior finance professional with strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
You will bring:
7. Full accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) - essential.
8. Significant experience in financial management, auditing, or financial interrogation.
9. Proven ability to operate at a senior level, building credibility with senior executives and external stakeholders.
10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex analysis into clear insights.
11. Ability to travel across the UK to meet HE providers when necessary.
Experience in higher education, corporate governance, regulation, or restructuring/insolvency would be advantageous but is not essential. A background in regulated sectors or complex multi-stakeholder environments would also be highly relevant.
Benefits
12. Professional development with tailored learning plans, specialist training, and mentoring
13. 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after five years), plus public holidays
14. Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
15. Civil Service Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
16. Health and wellbeing support, including health checks and wellbeing advice
17. Flexible and hybrid working options
18. Retail, leisure, and entertainment discounts
19. Cycle-to-work scheme and on-site facilities
20. Equipment provided for safe and comfortable home working