Graduate Finance & Operations Analyst

An Oxford institution is seeking an exceptional graduate to work directly with the Operations Director in a high-impact Finance & Operations Analyst role.  This is not a standard graduate position. You will operate at the centre of the College’s administration, combining rigorous financial analysis with direct exposure to senior decision-making. The role requires outstanding Excel and systems capability, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to operate with discretion and precision in a complex environment. You will act as a trusted support to the Operations Director, helping to shape insight, improve processes, and ensure the effective delivery of key operational and financial priorities. Key Responsibilities Build and maintain robust, complex Excel models to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning Analyse financial and operational data, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities Support the production of high-quality management information and reporting for senior stakeholders Contribute to financial planning cycles, including budgeting and reforecasting Work extensively with finance and operational systems to extract, interrogate, and reconcile data Design and implement more efficient, automated reporting processes Drive improvements in data quality, reporting accuracy, and internal controls Take ownership of analytical and reporting tools used across the function Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for senior meetings and committees Track key initiatives, ensuring actions are delivered to a high standard and on time Act as a reliable and professional point of coordination across multiple stakeholders Skills & Experience Essential A strong academic record from a leading university (Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or similar) Advanced Excel capability (including complex modelling, nested formulas, and large dataset manipulation; VBA/macros advantageous) Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills Demonstrable ability to work with systems and large volumes of data Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to accuracy Strong written and verbal communication skills High levels of professionalism, judgement, and discretion Ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively under pressure Desirable Experience with finance or ERP systems Exposure to data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI) What We Offer Generous pension and annual leave entitlement Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making A uniquely varied role within a prestigious academic institution INDH