Job
Description
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people. Pay Band: 6/G Contract Type: Indefinite Location: India, Noida Closing date: 1st July 2025 You must have the legal right to work in India at the time of application. There is no relocation or sponsorship support. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. About The Role These are new roles created as part of the transformation of the global finance team, aligning financial support to strategic business units. This is a generic role profile for several positions, each of which will flexibly support the business units (Exams, Teaching, Cultural Engagement and Professional Services), geographic regions and the operations of the Managed Service Provider (MSP). These roles will provide support where needed in order to provide maximum flexibility and must be comfortable working as part of a team. The Finance function is structured along the ‘three lines of defence’ model, clearly separating the operation of controls and governance (first line) from compliance monitoring, testing and assurance (second line) functions, and linking into internal audit (third line). This is the main second line of defence role within the operational structure, linking the ‘first line’ activity (Financial Control) with third line (Internal Audit). The post-holders will contribute to ensuring the integrity of the second line function. The post-holder is accountable for testing and monitoring financial compliance, addressing non-compliance, and providing assurance on the financial control environment. The post-holder will need to develop an understanding of the different local operating environments including risks of bribery and corruption, money laundering, sanctions, the regulatory environment, and the maturity of the banking and financial sectors. Main Responsibilities Financial Management Review, challenge and retest the first line/Managed Service Provider’s assessment of the global Minimum Control Standards (MCS). Report results of testing and identify any changes needed by first line functions and Managed Service Provider to meet required standards. Support monitoring of the effectiveness and implementation of remediation plans and escalate issues where required. Help to produce and develop reports giving a clear overview of financial compliance to senior stakeholders, which highlight the key areas of risk and the actions required to manage them within the risk appetite. Assist in monitoring the actions taken by stakeholders and provide regular updates Relationship and Stakeholder Management Support the wider financial controls and compliance team in developing a good understanding of the business units and geographical areas to enable focused advice to be given and emerging risks to be identified and managed. Provide advice on controls and compliance to other finance functions and work with them to provide a holistic service to the business. Develop an effective working relationship with relevant staff at the Managed Service Provider (MSP). Work in partnership with them to use their process and technological expertise to improve the British Council’s financial control framework. Effectively hold the MSP to account for the controls they manage and control remediations that are their responsibility. Sector/subject expertise Keep up to date with developments in best practice and upcoming regulatory requirements. Support initiatives to increase the British Council’s level of compliance maturity. Service Improvement Contribute to projects to improve the control environment, in particular the automation of controls and initiatives that make it easier for users to comply. Keep up to date with technical developments and support implementation of new technologies. Share best practice and learning with other second line functions. Minimum/essential Requirements Financial controls testing and/or audit experience. Broad based finance experience. ERP experience/knowledge. Understanding of financial accounting standards Understanding of financial control compliance and assurance frameworks Experience of analysing or improving financial processes and controls Desirable Experience of compliance with UK charity regulatory requirements Experience of compliance with UK government requirements Working with Shared Services providers Knowledge of financial reporting and compliance in the UK charity and/or public sector, particularly the Charities SORP Experience of working in international and multi-cultural organisations. SAP experience. Experience of Sarbanes Oxley Experience of designing compliance reports For a detailed Role profile please email gagandeepkaur.talwar@britishcouncil.org A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you have any problems with your application please email askhr@britishcouncil.org Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ‘ASK HR’ email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted. Show more Show less
