Senior Strategic Finance Analyst

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world‑leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day‑to‑day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. This vacancy is in our Strategic Finance Team.

Strategic Finance sits at the heart of Defra's decision making offering a unique opportunity to influence and shape how resources are allocated to protect the environment and support rural communities. We straddle the policy and finance communities. Our team advice the Secretary of State and Permanent Secretary on the department's financial position and the policy and operational choices open to them in order to manage it.

We own the institutional relationship with His Majesty's Treasury (HMT), engaging frequently with our HMT spending team. We lead fiscal events including Spending Reviews and the Budget. We work across the department in all stages of policy and delivery, and oversee annual and medium‑term financial and policy planning. We have a role in commercial assessment and investment approval and oversee mains and supplementary estimates.

We have specific policy responsibilities alongside the finance role, and a role in the formal policy development and decision‑making process at all levels. We produce and communicate, at senior levels, strategic‑level management information, supported by analysis functions. This is a role for an analytical, proactive, and collaborative individual who thrives on complexity, enjoys problem‑solving, and can confidently engage with senior stakeholders.

You'll make a real difference by bringing fresh insight, improving strategic reporting, and strengthening Defra's position with HM Treasury. The role offers significant autonomy within a supportive team environment, balancing responsibility with collaboration, and working at pace on high‑profile issues. In return, you'll receive tailored learning and development, mentoring, and support for professional qualifications, all within a culture that values inclusion, flexibility, and continuous growth.