Data Analyst (Level 3) – Flexible Working Available

The purpose of the FRC is to serve the public interest by setting high standards of corporate governance, reporting and audit and by holding to account those responsible for delivering them. Corporate Governance includes investor stewardship. There are a wide range of organisations responsible for implementing the relevant codes and standards including companies, audit firms and investors, all of whom are important stakeholders for the FRC. Within this group there are a range of professionals including accountants and actuaries whom we can hold directly to account. However, the public interest is wider, as shareholders, suppliers, employees, customers, communities and financial institutions all have a stake and an interest in the health of companies within our existing regulatory scope. Further information about the role of the FRC can be found at www.frc.org.uk.

The Economics, Strategy and Analytics Team provides market intelligence, data analysis, economic advice, and research to support the development and delivery of the FRC’s Strategy. We help teams estimate the costs and benefits of new regulatory initiatives and provide economic and analytical input which informs all aspects of the FRC’s work. We also lead on the FRC’s research strategy, and commission and manage research projects.

There is an exciting opportunity to join the Economics, Strategy and Analytics team to grow the use of data analysis, improve its application, and build understanding across the FRC in how data can inform strategy development and delivery.

You will conduct data analysis to support the successful delivery of regulatory activity across the FRC. You will support FRC teams in implementing projects and programmes, in particular the transformation into the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority (ARGA), plus the recent market study by the Competition and Markets Authority and the Brydon Review into the quality and effectiveness of audit.

The Role:

The role involves:

• conducting regular and ad-hoc data analysis, reporting and recommendations to drive strategy and enhanced regulatory scrutiny
• leveraging primary and secondary source data using data analytical software to develop and manage internal databases; optimising analytical tools to increase efficiency within the data team
• developing new reporting and increasing data streams, working with system suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve the quantity, whilst maintaining quality, and performance measures for various business areas
• supporting business teams across the FRC with high quality information
• continually reviewing reporting templates to ensure that they are relevant and meaningful
• playing a leading role on particular projects and in quality assurance of the work of the team, including set-piece, data publications e.g. Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession
• providing oversight and support to more junior, less experienced colleagues in the team
• building understanding in teams across the FRC of how data can support delivery through the development of appropriate data solutions
• supporting the Data Analyst Team Leader in developing the data strategy for ARGA and in continuously developing and improving the market intelligence function to meet the evolving needs of the FRC and the new regulator  
• ensuring that market intelligence and evidence are managed safely, securely, to the required standards and policies, and to best advantage in supporting the FRC’s work

The Person:

A degree in a quantitative discipline or other relevant data analyst qualification and experience in performing complex data extraction and analysis to deliver analytical models or reports to aid decision making. Competent and knowledgeable in PowerBI, SQL, Python and/or R. Experience in extracting structured and unstructured data from 3rd party sources is highly desirable.

We are looking for individuals who enjoy constructing data warehouses and building ‘best in class’ data products; and supporting and engaging with the wider analyst community and stakeholders. 

A strong understanding of the potential uses and limitations of data – technical and legal/ethical/security – in evidence-based policy making and strategy development. A desire to make a contribution to the FRC’s transformation and the Regulator’s public interest remit by ensuring “the quality, accuracy and reliability of corporate reporting, governance and audit which are fundamental to the trust shareholders, investors and the wider public place in companies” (Kingman Review, 2018). Experience of regulation, company reporting, and analysing financial statements is desirable but not essential.   

The ideal candidate will have:

• Advanced MS Excel skills and strong technical knowledge of and experience with SQL, Python and/or R. Working knowledge of reporting tools such as PowerBI  
• Technical expertise regarding data models and database design development
• Excellent relationship management skills and experience working with ‘client teams’ to understand their needs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including report writing
• Good organisational and project management skills, including collaborative team working
• Willingness to mentor and build the technical capability of more junior staff

The role is based in our Central London Office.The post holder should be able to work flexibly to take on new objectives or projects as and when needed and deputise for the Data Analyst Team Leader as required

Rewards and benefits

• The FRC offers competitive remuneration packages, with generous benefits, discretionary annual bonus and 30 days annual leave plus ability to buy extra leave
• The FRC has a strong work/ life balance ethos.

If you are interested, please apply by emailing a copy of your CV together with a covering letter to the FRC Recruitment team. In the covering letter, please:

• set out, by reference to the person specification above, how you meet the required skillset
• confirm that you have the right to work in the UK
• confirm your current package and benefits, and
• tell us where you heard about this job

Please note that we can only accept applicants who have the right to work in the UK.

The FRC is an Equal Opportunities employer.