Accountant

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. British Council Payband 4 Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) legal right to work in Kazakhstan at the time of application. Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance is not provided. Role Purpose • 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. Role Context • New arrangements for Finance Accounting activities are being introduced as part of the transformation of Professional Services and the global finance team within British Council, moving much of the transactional finance processes to an external MSP. • This role works across British Council International Operations, providing finance administration support for activities that remain within the British Council. • The role works closely with local business managers and the MSP to ensure that local financial accounting activities are accurate and comply with standards and corporate processes. Main accountabilities Managing self and others • Plan and prioritise own activities, responding to changing and sometimes competing requirements to ensure effective delivery of responsibilities over set reporting timescales. • Provide a high standard of financial administration and financial discipline. • Coordinate with internal customers, colleagues and third-party suppliers to complete activities in accordance with agreed financial procedures. 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. • Complete all financial accounting and reporting tasks required for financial month-end and year-end activities. • Process customer transactions and income collection accurately and in a timely manner. • Support accounting transactions, adjustments, reconciliations and intercompany accounting activities. • Support the production of financial reports and extraction of data from SAP. • Assist with preparation of local tax submissions and statutory returns. • Assist internal and external audit activities and support implementation of audit recommendations. • Support management accounting activities and production of management reports. • Respond to finance-related enquiries and provide appropriate support and guidance. Relationship and Stakeholder Management • Proactively communicate and liaise with stakeholders inside and outside the British Council to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities. • Build and maintain effective working relationships with local business managers, MSP teams, finance colleagues, auditors, banking vendors and tax authorities. Role specific knowledge and experience: Minimum / Essential Requirements • Graduate degree/Diploma in Accounting, Economics or Finance. • 3+ years of relevant accounting experience. • Strong understanding of general accounting principles. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas and functions (e.g. VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, IF, SUMIFS), Pivot Tables and data analysis. • Experience with accounting or ERP software 1C and preferably SAP. • Experience in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes. • Experience of local tax compliance and calculations including PIT, VAT and other taxes. • Excellent attention to detail, communication skills and ability to work to deadlines. Language Requirements The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Russian or Kazakh language skills are required for Kazakhstan. Contract Type: Indefinite Contract Location: Kazakhstan Salary Range: 466,500 (KZT), can be negotiable for the right candidate Closing Date: 22nd June at 11:29 PM Kazakhstan time / 11:59 PM (IST) A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement 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 in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org