Principal Analyst, Strategic Insights

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) invites applications for a Principal Analyst to lead high-quality, data-driven insights informing risk-based supervisory decisions. You will collaborate with cross‑agency stakeholders to shape industry outcomes through advanced modelling, metrics development and strategic analysis.

You will mentor analysts, drive innovative approaches to analytics and contribute to APRA's strategic initiatives, while ensuring clear executive-level briefing

Qualifications

• Significant experience in life, private health insurance and/or superannuation industries.
• Strong background in finance, economics, actuarial studies or mathematics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex analytical projects and translate data into actionable insights.
• Ability to identify emerging risks, challenge assumptions and provide practical recommendations in ambiguous environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for briefing materials and executive papers.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Advanced financial modelling and data analysis skills with tools like Power BI or R.
• Curiosity and innovation mindset with openness to AI-enabled insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of high-quality, forward-looking analysis on industry risks and trends to inform supervisory and executive decisions.
• Translate complex data into clear insights, risk indicators, and briefing materials.
• Develop and enhance industry metrics, analytical frameworks and data collections for the superannuation, life and private health insurance sectors.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders, regulated entities and industry bodies to shape outcomes.
• Mentor analysts and foster analytical excellence while supporting strategic programs.

Skills

Industry experience

Financial modelling

Data analysis

Project management

Executive briefing

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

AI/automation mindset

Education

Finance/Economics/Actuarial/Mathematics degree

Tools

Power BI

R

Job description

• Contribute to APRA's role as prudential regulator of financial institutions
• Lead strategic, data-driven insight work that helps shape supervisory decisions and improve outcomes across the industries APRA regulates
• Role based out of APRA's Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra or Melbourne office

The role

The Strategic Insights team supports APRA's mandate through the provision of forward looking, data-driven insights that inform risk-based supervisory judgements and strategic decisions. The team plays a critical role in assisting APRA in delivering its strategic initiatives and shaping supervisory outcomes at the industry level and in respect of individual entities.

As a Principal Analyst you will take the lead on the delivery of high-quality industry insights and advice to APRA's senior executive, supervisors, risk specialists and other government bodies. You will work closely with specialists across APRA to develop and provide advice to help facilitate improved outcomes across the industries APRA regulates. This work will include the development of tools and processes to inform effective decision making, as well as identifying emerging risks and strategic solutions to address those risks. A major plank of this work involves in depth modelling and financial analysis.

As part of this role, you will also engage and collaborate with a wide range of government and non-government stakeholders across the industry.

The team

The Life and Private Health Insurance and Superannuation Division is responsible for the prudential supervision of life insurers, private health insurers and the trustees of superannuation funds in Australia. The division comprises of industry focused supervision teams and two specialist teams, one of which is the Strategic Insights team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of high-quality, forward-looking analysis and strategic insights on industry risks, trends and emerging issues to inform supervisory, policy and executive decision-making;
• Translate complex internal and external data into clear, actionable insights, risk indicators and briefing materials that support APRA's supervision framework and strategic priorities;
• Drive the design, development and continual enhancement of industry metrics, analytical frameworks and data collections to strengthen APRA's understanding of the superannuation, life and private health insurance sectors and emerging risks;
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, peer agencies, regulated entities and industry forums to influence outcomes, support regulatory initiatives and ensure APRA's insights remain relevant and impactful; and
• Mentor and support analysts across the team, fostering a culture of analytical excellence, continuous improvement and innovation while contributing to the delivery of Super SI's strategic program of work.

About you

• Significant experience in the life, private health insurance and/or superannuation industries;
• A strong background in analytical areas such as finance, economics, actuarial studies or mathematics;
• Demonstrated experience leading complex analytical projects and translating large or complex datasets into clear, evidence-based insights that inform strategic decision-making;
• Deep analytical and critical thinking capability, with a proven ability to identify emerging risks, challenge assumptions, and develop practical recommendations in ambiguous environments;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing high-quality briefing materials, executive papers, reports and presentations for diverse audiences;
• Strong project management skills;
• Advanced financial modelling and/or data analysis skills (using tools such as Power BI or R etc) will be highly regarded; and
• Curiosity and innovation mindset, including the ability to leverage emerging technologies, automation and AI-enabled approaches to enhance analytical capability and insight generation.

To work with us, you need to be an Australian citizen with eligibility to obtain and maintain Australian Government Security clearance.

About APRA

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) places you at the heart of Australia's financial services industry. APRA serves the Australian community by helping ensure financial institutions deliver on the financial commitments they make, within a stable, efficient and competitive financial system.

At APRA we're committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, feels valued and respected. We aspire to attract and foster diversity of background, thought, and experience, recognising that a broad range of perspectives, approaches and ideas makes us stronger, and better enables us to meet our obligation to protect the financial wellbeing of the Australian community. When applying, please inform us of any adjustments you may need during the interview process.