Finance Officer (Accountant)

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Finance Officer (Accountant)

 
 
The Role:
 

We are looking for a finance professional to support the end to end accounting process in the country, including month and year end close, to ensure consistent, accurate and robust financial accounting processes in line with local and corporate accounting practices and policies.

 
Accountabilities:  

• Year-End Financial Activities: Complete pre-closing tasks and support year-end closing in line with corporate policies.
• Accounting Support: Assist with accounting transactions, including accruals, deferrals, provisions, and intercompany entries.
• Manual Entries & Payments: Support manual journal entries and off-system payment requests, ensuring accuracy and policy compliance.
• Reconciliations: Help reconcile accounts and VAT reports, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and accuracy.
• Audit & Tax Compliance: Assist in preparing tax reports, statutory returns, and providing audit-related information.
• Cash & Refund Oversight: Ensure integrity in cash collection and customer refund processes.
• Payroll Management: Handle payroll taxation, related bank payments, and maintain the local e-tax portal.
• Banking Operations: Process payment orders, manage cash withdrawals, and submit required documents to banks.
• Document & Contract Control: Maintain finance documents, archives, and contract registers per corporate and local policies.
• General Finance & Procurement Support: Provide assistance in finance and procurement matters, including GL account maintenance and cash flow submissions.

Requirements of the role:

• Intermediate experience in local accounting, taxation and reporting
• Proficient experience in Excel       
• Experience in working with SAP & 1C.
• Language - English and Azerbaijani  

Education:

University Degree in Finance/Accounting or any other relevant area

Diploma/certificate in IFRS (ACCA, CIMA, DipIFR)  (Desirable)

MPS – Azerbaijan Certified Accountant  (Desirable)

Closing Date:   Applications will close at 23:59 IST on Sunday 22 Jun 2025   

Important Information:

Department: Financial Control In-country  

Contract type: Indefinite (Permanent) Contract  
Pay band: 4

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in Azerbaijan. 

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 
 
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.

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