Data Analyst (Finance)

Finance Data Analyst (Grade 7) (Fixed Term Post 12 months) Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 Location: Edinburgh About our Team Based at the Edinburgh campus, the Strategic Planning, Performance & Projects (SPP&P) team has overall responsibility for facilitating development of the University’s strategy and Strategic Plan; management of the University’s annual planning and budgeting cycle; negotiation and production of the University’s Outcome Agreement with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC); management of statutory data provision to the SFC and others; monitoring of research metrics performance; provision of both external horizon-scanning and internal performance information at all levels and across all aspects of the University’s activities; management of/participation in various projects. Detailed Description The Data Analyst is a Fixed Term Post offered at 12 months in the first instance. You will be working with colleagues in Finance and Strategic Planning, Performance & Projects. You will have a particular responsibility for sourcing, analysis, production and communication of data and reports in relation to financial management reporting, using Power BI and other analytical tools. They will also be responsible for supporting the information reporting systems, drawing on highly developed skills in these areas. The post-holder will champion/advocate data- and evidence-based planning. They will also be a source of specialist advice on Finance specific data analysis, reporting and supporting systems. In addition, the post-holder will, as relevant, represent Finance and SPP&P internally and externally and build a network of specialist contacts within the University. Key duties and responsibilities • Providing financial management reporting support, analysis and forecasting for the University's global operation, ensuring alignment with the University's Strategy 2035 plan. • Enhancing and supporting decision-making at senior management level for core business processes and strategic financial projects, through the provision and presentation of management information, analysis and reporting • Dynamic data analysis and production of and/or significant contributions to specific periodic major financial reports and modelling in relation to financial planning, forecasting and monitoring • Other ad hoc data reports and exploratory analyses in response to relevant requests and on own initiative • Development and maintenance of reporting templates with a significant contribution to the development of integrated reporting using Power BI • Writing reports, preparing and making presentations in relation to the above, and dealing with ad hoc enquiries from internal and external sources about them – supporting an efficient, effective and responsive service to the University • Development and maintenance of appropriate documentation in relation to all of the above • Providing advice and support to Finance and other colleagues in the role holder's areas of specialist knowledge • Networking with user community across the University to keep alert to feedback and changing needs, and with HE Planning and other peer communities externally to be alert to current developments and issues • Other projects as agreed from time to time, and jointly reporting to the SPP&P Leadership Team and the Finance Leadership Team on projects to which the role holder has been assigned Education, qualifications and experience Essential Criteria 1. Excellent IT skills with experience across the MS Office suite and in particular, advanced working knowledge of Excel 1. Experience of building reports in data visualisation software in Power BI or an alternative BI platform 1. Demonstrable experience of extracting, analysing and interpreting data to produce reports in support of financial planning and management activities 1. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including data visualisation and presentation skills, with the ability to present complex information in an accessible way for a diverse audience 1. Ability to plan, prioritise and direct own work, managing several things at once, agreeing and meeting deadlines to deliver the most effective and impactful outcomes Desirable Criteria 1. Experience in strategic financial planning processes (preferably in Higher Education) 1. A first degree featuring significant relevant financial/ numerical and/or analytical content How to Apply Please send CV and Covering Letter outlining your interest and motivation for applying for this role. Applications will be accepted up to Sunday 26th April.