This role supports the financial accounting activities for the British Council and works closely with the Managed Service Provider (MSP) to ensure the financial accounts are completed correctly and in a timely manner, and numbers are reported accurately.

The role provides effective financial support services for a local business unit/country, within agreed timescales. This includes finance administration and coordination/ logistical support. They will support communication across operational areas and with the MSP and will work closely with the British Council Controllership teams to ensure the effective provision of financial accounting, reporting and control activities.

The position holder applies authoritative understanding of systems and processes to overcome day-to-day problems and ensure things run smoothly.

They will report into senior colleagues within the In Country Controllership teams.

Main Accountabilities

Finance and Resource Management

• Work closely with the MSP and British Council controllership teams to support the delivery of retained financial processes, ensuring consistent, accurate and robust financial accounting in line with accounting practices and corporate policies. Maintain financial records as per corporate policy and internal audit.

• Complete all financial accounting and reporting tasks required for the financial month-end and year-end pre-closing steps and provide support as required for the financial month-end and year-end closing steps.

• Process customer transactions and income collection accurately and in a timely manner. Complete daily cash reconciliations. Responsible for ensuring integrity of cash collection process. Responsible for ensuring integrity of customers refund process. Ensure compliance with treasury policy. Submit relevant documents to local bank as requested including bank mandates updates.

• Provide support as required on accounting transactions, adjustments (accruals, deferrals, and provisions), and reconciliations, including Intercompany accounting. Provide support as required with manual journals and off-system payments requests ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant policies.

• Support the production of financial reports/returns and extraction of data from SAP. Contribute to statutory reporting, tax review/filing, cashflow reporting and debtor management controls. Assist with preparation of local Tax submissions and other statutory returns.

• Assist with provision of information to internal / external auditors and assist the implementation of audit recommendations. Complete Travel & Expenses audits as per policy addressing issues in a prompt manner. Identify issues and bring them to the attention of senior members in the team for resolution in relation to financial accounting matters

• Assist Management Accounting tasks and the production of management reports as required. Support the administration of local databases/customised software, providing advice and training to line managers and colleagues as required.

Payroll management for Ethiopia

• Processing Payroll: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies regarding payroll processing. Timely and accurately processing payroll to ensure employees are paid on time and in accordance with their employment contracts.

• Maintaining Payroll Records: Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of employee earnings, deductions, and tax withholdings. Generating payroll reports for management and regulatory compliance purposes. Maintaining confidentiality and security of payroll data and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

• Resolving Payroll Issues: Addressing and resolving payroll-related inquiries and issues from employees, managers, and other stakeholders. Investigating discrepancies or errors in payroll processing and implementing corrective actions. Collaborating with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure payroll-related processes are efficient and effective.

Job Requirements

Role specific knowledge and experience:

Essential

• Knowledge of statutory accounting principles and practices, including accruals and the impact of financial transactions.

• Proven accounting experience.

• Advanced experience of Excel.

• SAP experience.

Desirable

• Experience of working in an international organisation and/or relevant employer.

• Good level of understanding of relevant software

• Financial analytical experience.

• Experience of managing high value debtors.

Education

• Higher Education

• Degree level relevant education. Studying for a recognised accounting qualification desirable.

Language Requirements

The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in local language and English is required.

Additional job requirements

Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country

Candidates are expected to have researched whether they have the right to live and work in the country in which the role is based. Given that our offices have different legal status depending on the work we do in those countries, we recommend that you contact HR in country for additional information on the likelihood of securing a visa. Only at its discretion will the British Council provide support so please check first whether visa support is offered.

Background Checks 

Initial and continuing employment with the British Council is subject to an annual background check. The job undertaken defines the nature of check(s) and assessment applied.

How to Apply 

For detailed Role Profile and any questions please reach out to vanessa.reynolds@britishcouncil.org

Interested and qualified applicants can apply online using THIS LINK

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