British Council
Website:
britishcouncil.org
Job details:
The Role
This role leads Financial Compliance activities for a designated business unit (Exams, Teaching, Cultural Engagement and Professional Services) and two regions of the British Council, ensuring the financial internal control environment is effective and fit for purpose. As a key second line-of-defence role, the postholder will lead financial risk management, compliance monitoring, controls testing and assurance, identify risks and control gaps, develop remediation plans, and provide clear insights and assurance to senior stakeholders.
The role will act as the main point of contact for financial risk, compliance and control, working closely with Global Finance, business units (Exams, Teaching, Cultural Engagement and Professional Services), regional teams, process owners, Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, regulators and other specialist functions. The postholder will use strong analytical, data visualisation, financial controls and business partnering skills to identify trends and hotspots, strengthen compliance, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure global standards are consistently applied.
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). Part of the post-holder’s role is to ensure the integrity of the second line function, educate others on the roles and responsibilities of each line of defence and ensure that the lines are not blurred.
The post-holder will need to understand the relevant local operating environment including risks of bribery and corruption, money laundering, sanctions, the regulatory environment, and the maturity of the banking and financial sector for the area/country they are responsible for.
These are newly created roles as part of the transformation of the Global Finance function. Four positions will lead compliance for a specific business unit (Exams, Teaching, Cultural Engagement and Professional Services), and two regions, while a fifth will focus on the Managed Service Provider. The roles will jointly manage a pooled team of subject matter experts and analysts, with some travel required, expected to be no more than 25%.
Main responsibilities
The role will lead financial compliance and control activities, reviewing and challenging first-line and Managed Service Provider assessments against Minimum Control Standards, conducting second-line controls testing, monitoring remediation plans and escalating significant risks. The postholder will provide clear compliance reporting and assurance to senior stakeholders, proactively identify financial risks and control gaps, advise on new processes and projects, and promote a culture of compliance by design. Key areas of focus include delegated authorities, segregation of duties, travel and expenses, debt management, gifts and hospitality, conflicts of interest, fraud, audit findings and other financial risk areas.
The postholder will act as a strategic business partner and subject matter expert on financial risk, controls and compliance, working closely with business units (Exams, Teaching, Cultural Engagement and Professional Services), regions, finance teams, the MSP, Internal Audit and other second-line functions. They will strengthen accountability, share best practice and build organisational capability while contributing to the ongoing development of the financial compliance framework. The role will also identify opportunities for process improvement, automation and new technology, ensuring the control environment evolves with regulatory, business and technological changes.
Role specific skills
- Financial control and compliance
- Business partnering and strategic influencing skills.
- Data analysis and visualization skills
- Effective communication and influencing skills, able to relay complex financial information in an easy-to-understand way.
- Strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to work in what is often a confidential, responsive, deadline-oriented, and dynamic environment.
- Ability to manage relationships and work collaboratively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
- Flexibility, independence, and initiative to perform successfully in a rapidly changing environment.
- Leadership and Management
- Relationship and Stakeholder Management
- Service improvement
Core Skills
- Communicating and Influencing
- Analysing Data and Problems
- Managing People
- Managing Risks
- Planning and Organising
Role specific knowledge and experience
Minimum/essential
- Financial risk, control and compliance subject matter expertise including relevant professional qualification(s).
- Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience in finance, and at least 3 years of working in a similar role.
- Financial controls testing or audit experience.
- Good understanding of financial accounting standards.
- Experience of identifying and implementing improvements in financial processes and controls.
- ERP experience/knowledge.
- Managing and developing teams.
- Experience of designing compliance reports
Desirable
- Experience of compliance with UK charity regulatory requirements
- Experience of compliance with UK government requirements
- Working with Shared Services providers, particularly outsourced 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
Language Requirements
- The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.
Education
- Higher Education – Degree Level.
Professional Qualification and Certification
- A degree in accounting or similar discipline and/or a Qualified Chartered Accountant
British Council | Pay Band 8
Location: Noida, India | Warsaw & Kraków, Poland | London, Edinburgh, Cardiff & Belfast, UK | Lagos, Abuja, Nigeria | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Department: Finance
Contract: Indefinite term
Apply by: Sunday, October 04th 2026 (11:59 PM)
Interview Date, TBD
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing legal right to work in the relevant country at the time of application. Mobility, relocation or visa sponsorship support will not be provided.
The British Council supports flexible ways of working, including hybrid working, subject to approval by line management and the organisation’s ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles and can be discussed and explored during the interview process.
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