Senior Financial Analyst

About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is the UKs independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance. Everything we do is about ensuring trust, participation, and integrity in the democratic process.

As we continue to deliver our five-year Corporate Plan, the Commission is building on a period of growth and change, expanding our workforce and modernising how we deliver our services to better support the needs of a changing democracy. As our organisation develops and adapts to meet future challenges, this post will play a vital part in supporting that progress and helping ensure we remain responsive to the democratic needs of voters, campaigners, parties and electoral administrators across the UK.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Financial Analyst to join our Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team.

This is a varied and strategically important role that goes beyond traditional financial analysis. Alongside leading complex financial planning, forecasting, modelling and analysis, you will work in partnership with senior leaders across the Electoral Commission, providing expert financial insight and constructive challenge that supports evidence-based decision-making and the effective stewardship of public funds.

Youll play a key role in the Commissions annual budget setting, medium-term financial planning, in-year forecasting and Supply Estimates processes, helping to shape financial strategy and resource allocation across the organisation. Working in a complex and evolving environment, youll also identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, management information and financial processes, ensuring decision-makers have timely, accurate and meaningful financial insight.

Unlike many Senior Financial Analyst roles, this position offers regular exposure to Executive Team and Board-level reporting, giving you the opportunity to influence organisational decisions and contribute to the delivery of the Commissions strategic priorities.

As a senior member of the team, youll also support the development of colleagues, including line management of the Finance Apprentice, making this an excellent opportunity to further develop your leadership capability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading annual budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning processes.
• Delivering detailed financial analysis, modelling and scenario planning to support strategic decisions.
• Building strong relationships with budget holders and senior stakeholders, providing expert financial advice and challenge.
• Producing insightful management reporting, variance analysis and performance commentary.
• Supporting business cases, investment appraisals and organisational change initiatives.
• Developing and improving financial models, dashboards and reporting tools.
• Coaching and supporting colleagues, including the Finance Apprentice, to strengthen capability across the function.

About the team

The FP&A team sits at the heart of the Commissions financial planning and decision-making, providing the insight, analysis and business partnering that supports the delivery of organisational priorities.

Youll be joining a small, collaborative and highly supportive team where knowledge sharing, openness and continuous improvement are central to the way we work. With no unnecessary hierarchy, colleagues work closely together, providing regular opportunities to learn from one another and contribute across a broad range of financial activities.

Our FP&A function is different from many found in other organisations. Rather than focusing solely on financial analysis, the team brings together FP&A, Finance Business Partnering and Project Finance, giving you exposure to the full financial planning cycle. Youll work alongside experienced Finance Business Partners, the FP&A Accountant and Project Finance colleagues, contributing to everything from strategic planning and budgeting through to organisational reporting and business partnering.

The team works closely with senior leaders across the Commission and is recognised as a trusted partner that provides robust financial advice, constructive challenge and meaningful insight. This breadth of responsibility, combined with regular exposure to Executive Team and Board-level work, makes the role an excellent opportunity for someone looking to broaden their strategic finance experience.

Who were looking for

Were looking for an experienced, professionally qualified accountant who combines strong technical expertise with excellent business partnering and communication skills.

Youll have significant experience in FP&A and be comfortable working in a complex public sector environment, where youll use financial insight to influence strategic decisions, support organisational priorities and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.

Youll enjoy solving complex financial problems and translating technical financial information into clear, practical advice for colleagues who may not have a finance background. Equally, youll be someone who works collaboratively, shares knowledge openly and enjoys supporting the development of others.

We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• CCAB, CIMA or equivalent professional accountancy qualification.
• Strong financial modelling and advanced Excel capabilities.
• The ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders effectively.
• Strong understanding of public sector finance including; estimates, governance and value for money principles.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial issues to non-finance audiences.
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to developing colleagues and sharing expertise.